A psychiatrist with the Psychiatry Unit of the Obuasi Government Hospital, Victor Nuamah, has revealed that depression cases involving Junior High School leavers who do not meet their aspirations are on the high.
He said the unit receives not less than 10 cases of depression or anxiety-related disorder of JHS leavers who did not get their preferred schools or courses.
Describing the situation as worrying, he called for support of stakeholders towards the children at that stage.
“This is where the churches and family can come in and support the children to overcome any form of anxiety related disorders and depression,” Mr Nuamah stated.
“Children must understand that academic successes largely depend on individual’s efforts and not the school or course area,” he added.
Mr Nuamah was speaking a day’s guidance and counseling seminar held for final-year JHS students in Obuasi.
The seminar was held by the Obuasi Area of the Pentecost Men’s Ministry (PEMEM) in conjunction wit the Municipal Education Directorate.
Seasoned professionals were on hand to sensitize about 3,000 students drawn from 60 schools in Obuasi on career path and their related courses, the benefits of making the right career choices and mental health awareness campaign.
A student of AngloGold Ashanti JHS, Sam Emmanuel Bosomtwe Bekoe, spoke about the impact of the program.
He said it has enlightened him on the need to make good career decisions, whiles commending the organizers for bringing experts onboard to guide and counsel them.
He said it was important for students to structure their lives very well even before they go to Senior High school.
At the end of the seminar, the students were empowered with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate their future academic and professional paths by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of various career options and the educational requirements for each.
