Mental Health in African communities is increasingly receiving attention. This is due to mental wellness advocacy efforts, technological advancements, and an understanding of the connection between mental and physical wellbeing. World Mental Health Day by WHO has contributed significantly to this. However, religion, traditions, and culture hinder the acceptance of mental wellness issues as a medical condition.
Difficulties In Addressing Mental Wellness Issues In African Communities
The challenges with mental health in African communities are complicated. Africa is a continent of similar yet different cultures, traditions, economic and social conditions. These inform how people see and view mental health. It is true that many African cultures have rich systems of support and coping mechanisms.
African communities have always relied on strong social networks to address emotional distress. These networks take the form of family support, community support, and spiritual practices. Community elders play important roles in providing care and guidance. However, development and economic challenges have made some of these methods struggle for relevance in a new world.
The shame mental health patients face in society is another problem. Often seen as a personal weakness, it stops people from seeking help. Some even see it as a sign of demonic possession or a curse. Wrong beliefs lead to isolation, discrimination, and delayed or nonexistent treatment. Misdiagnosis of different conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder due to limited and stretched-out medical personnel means even fewer people are getting the care they would have received.
Growth Of Mental Health Awareness
All said, as with any other continent, there is better awareness of mental health today than in the past 20 years. Several factors have contributed to this:
Mental wellness advocacy by the World Health Organization has contributed significant financing for health organisations and communities like the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, an organisation in Nigeria that educates its people. This has also led to more research on products, solutions, and treatments for mental health.
Mental wellness organisations are working tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge negativity, and demand better services. Among these organisations are The Neem Foundation, StrongMinds, Mental Health Foundation, African Mental Health Research and Training Foundation, Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, IOM Libya, and a host of others.
Increasing social media coverage is playing an important role in challenging and breaking down the negativity associated with mental health. It is doing this by sharing stories of individuals who have overcome challenges.
Social media has created spaces for open conversations about mental wellness. People are able to connect with others who share similar experiences. Many hide behind the cover that these platforms provide to share their stories. Eventually, they are able to get the information they need to seek help with their mental health issues.
Primary Care and Mental Health. Some African governments, private individuals, and organisations are making great efforts to add mental health services to primary care. This will make treatment more accessible to people in rural and underserved areas.
Barriers On The Path To Mental Health Awareness
Addressing mental health challenges in Africa requires different approaches that tackle both individual and public issues.
One of these issues is the shortage of mental health professionals. According to Statista, the number of mental health care nurses per 100,000 persons in Africa is around 0.9. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers didn’t fare better at 0.1. As bad as this statistic is, it is better than for any other mental health profession.
Another problem is the need for more funding. Compared to other health issues, mental wellness care often receives little funding, which limits services and resources. On average, African governments allocate less than 50 cents per capita to mental health.
Next is the influence of cultural and religious beliefs. These traditional beliefs and practices may not be inherently harmful. However, they can sometimes hinder access to care, promote harmful treatments, and stigmatise mental health patients.
Another gaping problem is economic limitation. Poverty and inequality can worsen mental health problems by limiting people’s ability to seek help. In 2017, Lagos State Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni and his team rescued a woman from jumping off Third Mainland Bridge. The woman complained about her mounting debt. Because of that, she wanted to end her life. Even after her rescue, she still insisted on taking her life. Rising suicide rates have been increasing in the past decade, and the continent is no exception.
What Next For Mental Health Advocacy In African Communities?
Mental wellness is a key aspect of human wellbeing. Often, stresses of life are closely associated with economic wellbeing. While this is just one cause of poor mental health, it is the most significant cause of mental health challenges in the continent. By economically empowering communities, we can restore hope and encourage a healthy perspective on social and economic challenges.
