A YOU TUBE film to debunk the myths and stigmas surrounding mental health in the Ghanaian community will provoke important debate on the issue, its organisers say.
The Ghanaian State of Mind, the brainchild of counsellor Abigail Baah – who also co-produced the film – highlights the warning signs and symptoms of mental health problems. It also aims to eradicate the stigma that is often associated with this type of illness within African communities.
According to research, black people in the UK are more likely to be sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
The film’s producers believe that part of the problem is a reluctance within the community to access services, resulting in a delay in getting crucial help.
Baah said: “Being able to recognise symptoms and having an awareness of what is happening to you is important.”
People, she added, “are afraid” of what might happen to them if they approach their doctor for help.
She pointed out that “hospitalisation is not the only option” and that “there are a lot of counselling and therapeutic services available.”