Christ the King Methodist Church Ghana has called for the strengthening of the extended family system and tightening of the social support structures, to help address mental health conditions in the country.
The Very Reverend Isaac Kwame Ghartey, Superintendent Minister of the Anaji Estate Circuit of the Church, appealed to members of the extended family, to avoid social neglect and support one another.
He made the call at a mental health awareness forum and screening, organised by Christ the King Methodist Child and Youth Development Centre, a compassion-international assisted project, operating in Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region.
The group organized the programme in partnership with Empire FM and Radio 360 in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
The forum, which was on the theme: “The Role of the Church in Mental Health,” brought together experts in mental health management and stakeholders, to elicit ways of addressing the problem of mental health in the Ghanaian context.
Very Rev Ghartey said the Church was mandated to help tackle mental health issues, which was fast gaining grounds in society.
He said “the church owe it a sacred duty to intensify guidance and counselling sessions, to address mental health issues.”
Very Rev Ghartey advised the people not to be worried and anxious over things they could not acquire or achieve and be content with what they have.
Rev Mrs Angelina Ogyiri Asare, a Principal Clinical Health Psychologist, at the GHAPOHA Hospital in Takoradi, said anxiety was normal, but it could lead to disorder behaviour, which required psychiatric attention.
“Anxiety leads to depression, substance abuse, insomnia, headaches and chronic pain,” she cautioned.
Mrs Asare advised patients with mental health disorders to seek treatment through psychotherapy and medications, to avoid anxieties.
Mrs Joyce Yeboah, the Regional Director, Department of Community Development, Ghana Health Service, urged parents to examine children regularly for disorders, and help them to overcome problems.
Mr Bernard Ekow Aggrey, Project Director of the Church, said the rights of mental health patients should be respected.
Mr Emmanuel Mark Ackon, Presiding Member at the Shama District Assembly, reiterated the need to uphold the extended family system, to address socio-economic problem.
He appealed to district assemblies to collaborate with individuals and organisations to address the upsurge in mental health disorders. – GNA
