The Bibiani Government Hospital has launched its observance of Mental Health Awareness, after a survey estimated that 3.8 percent of the population suffers one mental disorder or another.
The aim is to bring mental health issues to the forefront and encourage open dialogue within communities.
The national “Purple Month” campaign is dedicated to raising awareness, reducing the significant stigma often associated with mental illness, and advocating for improved access to mental healthcare services across the country.
Speaking at the launch, the hospital’s Mental Health Officer Elijah Boateng underscored the critical importance of empowering individuals to seek treatment for mental illnesses without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Echoing this sentiment, the chairperson for the program Nana Ato Oware ,Chief of Bassengele urged individuals and families caring for persons with mental health conditions to consistently seek professional medical attention and support for them.
Providing a regional perspective on the urgency of the issue, the Western North Regional Director of Health, Dr Paulina Clara Appiah, highlighted that an estimated 3.8 percent of the population in the region suffers from one form of mental disorder or another. This she says calls for urgent action.
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being, deserving equal attention and resources as physical health.
The Bibiani Government Hospital’s active participation in this national observance is expected to significantly contribute to greater local awareness and encourage residents to engage in discussions about mental wellbeing and utilize the available healthcare resources.
