Struggling with Mental Health: Where Do We Go From Here?

“This depression gets the best of me…” tweeted DeMar DeRozan, an American basketball player, in February 2018. He later opened up in an interview about his struggles with depression and the challenges he faced in managing the condition. DeRozan shared that he often felt overwhelmed and isolated, despite his success as a professional athlete. It’s surprising to many that an accomplished individual like DeRozan could grapple with mental health issues.

His decision to speak openly about his mental health journey helped to raise awareness of the importance of seeking assistance. He highlighted that mental health issues could affect anyone, irrespective of their background or achievements. By sharing his experience, DeRozan also contributed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging others to seek support and help. His story underscores the significance of candid discussions about mental health challenges and the necessity of seeking aid when required, demonstrating that even those who are successful and accomplished are not immune to mental health struggles.

EXPLORE; 6 Ways Gen Z’s Can Shape Their Future

Sometimes life makes us wonder why we were given life in the first place, but eventually, there
comes a vivid reply; all our experiences, the good, the bad, and the unbearable, are essential to make
us human enough for ourselves, the people we love and those we inspire. That difference we
make in the lives of those around us is incomparable.

In our world today, everybody dealing with mental health issues laments – but where do we go
from here? While awareness of mental health issues has increased, those who suffer from mental
health problems still find it challenging to access the help they need. Societal stigma associated
with mental illnesses often makes people reluctant to seek help. Stated here are some challenges
people face in seeking mental health help, the reasons why they do not seek help, and the
possible ways to address these challenges.

READ ALSO; Empowering Voices: A Call to End Gender-Based Violence

• Structural barriers encompass the unavailability of mental health services, which may result from geographical constraints, language differences, or a scarce number of healthcare professionals.
• Financial barriers involve the expenses associated with mental health care, such as medication costs, therapy fees, and hospital stays.
• Personal barriers include the stigma surrounding mental illness, apprehension about judgment, and mistrust towards healthcare practitioners.

Reasons for not seeking mental health help

The reasons people avoid seeking mental health assistance differ from person to person. The societal stigma surrounding mental illness is a significant factor; individuals often hesitate to seek help due to fear of being labeled as “crazy” or “weak.” Additionally, a lack of awareness about mental health issues and illnesses contributes to this problem.

Some may not recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, or they might view mental health challenges as a personal failing. The fear of judgment from friends, family, or colleagues can also deter individuals from seeking support. In Ghana, mental health disorders are frequently linked to superstition, with sufferers perceived as demon-possessed, often resulting in their abandonment of prayer camps or the streets.

READ ALSO; Celebrating the Launch of the ICF Ghana Chapter: A New Era in Human Capital Development

 Another approach is to increase access to mental health services; by increasing the
number of mental health providers, expanding telehealth services, and providing financial
assistance to those who cannot afford mental health care. This should be a collective
effort to achieve a sane and sound well-being of the people

 Finally, healthcare providers (Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Mental Health Officers)
should avail themselves of information sharing, outside of the work environment.
Collaborate with institutions and Non-Governmental organizations to spread awareness.
If you are not a professional, but offer some support to a loved one, be compassionate and ready
to hear things you may never have imagined; and if possible, let them know that you may not have a vivid exposure to what they’re experiencing, but you believe everything and you’ll
always be there for them.

Mental health instability is a significant concern impacting individuals across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Despite growing awareness, numerous obstacles remain in obtaining support. Societal stigma, limited availability of mental health resources, and economic constraints are among the key issues to be tackled. Progress can be achieved by enhancing public education and awareness, broadening the reach of mental health services, and offering financial support, thereby improving mental health care for everyone.

Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more inspiring content.

At least we don’t sink in the storm; we sail through it. This is because “a mental health challenge isn’t one of our worst enemies, but potentially one of the greatest blessings in our lives. It’s merely the symptom of a fundamental cause, prompting us to embark on a long-overdue, collective journey of discovery and well-being” – Harald Walter Azmann (A Chance for Happiness Foundation – UK).

Article by

Abyna Mandy
Global Citizen, PR & MH Enthusiast
Email: mandy.afarilady1@gmail.com