The current state of mental health in Africa is nothing short of disappointing. Mental health in Africa is well behind what is obtainable in most other places in the world. Inasmuch as the continent lags behind in mental health awareness and solutions, it also trails the rest of the world in fighting mental health challenges.
Mental Wellness Gaps in Africa
Apart from the historical neglect of mental health and the unhelpful cultural attitudes towards it, mental health in Africa has also suffered from more challenges. For example, the issue of stigma, limited resources and shortage of mental health professionals. All these problems complicate what can be seen as a terrible state of mental health in Africa. The rise of advanced Technology means people who have no support can find alternative solutions. Technology fills the gap left by the shortage of resources and professionals. It can play massive roles in both treatment and care.
The Rise of Telemedicine and Mental Wellness Apps
There is a growing use of telemedicine platforms and mobile apps, which are designed to provide mental health support remotely. People can easily access mental health support and solutions online with their mobile phones. It is true that access to the internet and digital gadgets in Africa is still low compared to other places. However, it is higher than access to physical, traditional means of mental health solutions, which are non-existent in most places. Digital mental health may be the way forward for Africa.
There are mobile apps and platforms that focus on mental wellness, counselling and psychological support. These platforms include PsyndUp in Nigeria, Wazi in Kenya, MindIT in South Africa, Shezlong in Egypt and BlueHeart, which operates across different countries. With the use of these platforms, the era of digital mental health in Africa has been kick-started. Access to mental health solutions has been increased and it has made things a lot easier.
Technology for Mental Health Awareness and Education
Another way that Technology can fundamentally improve mental health in Africa is through enhancing mental health awareness and education. While traditional modes of spreading awareness and educating people on mental health may be failing, digitisation has proven efficient. People can easily access information online. Because of this, organisations and people working in mental health can easily reach out to important demographics through social media and other online platforms. Reaching out widens the demographic that benefits from mental health awareness and education campaigns. In turn, it will improve people’s attitudes towards mental health in Africa. Digital mental health is a robust technique for improving mental health in Africa.
Other Technological Improvements to Mental Health in Africa
One of the underestimated problems with mental health in Africa is the prevalence of many pseudo-professionals who lack enough skills to help mentally ill people. The internet has made it possible for these people to get access to better education and acquire the necessary skills needed to do their work. Technology has also aided the enhancement of mental health solutions in general. With time, we get better and better at knowing why certain mental illnesses happen and what we can do to cure them or manage them.
Mental health in Africa is in a sorry state. Many people need better systems. Technology has proven itself a great ally in this regard, and we’re all thankful for it. With improvements across the board, we expect that people will get better outcomes in the future as Technology helps to fill in the gaps left by traditional mental health solutions.
