Mental illness is treatable - Psychiatrist

The Head of Psychiatry at the Municipal Health Directorate in Sunyani, Dr. George Gemadzie, has called on the public to refer mental health cases to specialists in health centers instead of prayer camps.

He added that epileptics should also seek treatment from a Mental Health facility and debunked the notion that mental health challenges are not treatable. 

Dr. Gemadzie was speaking with Radio Ghana in Sunyani on the celebration of Mental Health Week. 

The theme is “Dignity in Mental Health, Psychological and Mental  Health First Aid”. 

The slogan for the commemoration of Mental Health Week, in recent times, has been "Mental Health is total Health.  

Currently, mental health constitutes 14% of the Global Disease Burden and the percentage is likely to increase if remedial action is not taken.  

It is estimated that by 2025, mental illness will become one of the non-communicable diseases which could be a global burden.

Speaking to GBC’s Radio Ghana, the Head of Psychiatry at the Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Dr. George Gemadzie, said with the increasing level of mental health challenges, it has become necessary for the whole world to take mental health seriously. 

In line with this, 10th October every year is celebrated as World Mental Day.  

Ghana, observes a nation mental health week from 10th to the 14th October, to promote social and emotional well-being, encourage people to maximize health potentials, and enhance the coping capacity of communities with mentally challenged people.

 The celebration this year focused on family and individual support towards speedy Mental Health recovery. 

According to Dr. Gemadzie mental illness is basically caused by social and economic crises, coupled with emotional conflict. 

He said child abuse, bad parenting, infections and teenage pregnancy are some factors contributing to the rise in mental conditions. 

Dr. Gemadzie noted that when one is mentally challenged, the first contact is the family. He emphasized the need for families of mentally challenged persons to treat them with dignity.

GBC