Rethinking Mental Health Challenges In Sub-Saharan Africa

It is no doubt that we live in desperate times. The 21st century is characterized by drastic transitions in technology and every other facet of human life. However, despite this growth and development, it is necessary to point out that some?countries still wallow in the depths of primitivism. With the advancement in science and technology, one will expect that man would harness the resources in his environment to progress through each phase of life. On the contrary, each day we are confronted with several obstacles.??

One of the major challenges that humankind has been overwhelmed with is in thinking through solutions for progressive health and well-being. It is expedient to emphasize that the brain is one of the most delicate organs of the body and any strenuous activity may have far-reaching consequences. On this note, the reality of Mental Health challenges which have beguiled many young individuals should brought to bear, especially as regards the stigma on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. ?

The mindset of most Africans towards people who are depressed, living with Schizophrenia, or have suicidal thoughts is stereotypical. In Africa for instance, people who are dealing with Mental Illness are stigmatized, as some Africans believe that it is a spiritual problem, that they are weak and are unable to withstand challenges. With the economic, security, and political atmosphere of Sub-Saharan Africa?and other parts of the globe, one would understand why many young people are faced with these challenges. However, the question remains, whether to judge from an ivory tower or to empathize and offer support however we can. It should be considered that individuals with mental health challenges are neither flawed, fragile nor weak, as most people would think.?

During a visit to a Government Secondary School in October last year, I had the opportunity to speak to about 300 Junior Secondary School Students. I realized that the majority of these youngsters also dealt with Mental Health Challenges. Sadly, like others living in Sub-Saharan Africa, they lack access to basic Mental Health Support and even education about overcoming such challenges. While I am not a professional in the Medical Field, my years of experience in Community Development, especially in Mental Health, enlightened me on the fact that a major cause of suicidal thoughts is depression among other challenges. It is also noteworthy to point out that a preventive measure for depression is improved economic, physical, social, and political conditions.??

In the same vein, society needs to be aware that individuals with mental health challenges are neither plagued by the devil nor tormented spiritually. When the willpower to overcome pain, loss, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, under-employment, poverty, sickness, disease, and other challenges is lost, it takes a little while before that person sinks into oblivion. There is much truth in Karl Marx’s statement that “Spiritual issues prevent people from seeing the physical conditions of their lives”. Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, etc., are mental illnesses that can occur despite race, religion, gender, or social status.??

In conclusion, the African Mentality needs to be enlightened as regards the issues of mental and physical health. Individuals living with mental health illness or suicidal thoughts deserve our empathy and not judgment or stigmatization. In addition, they require a wholesome environment to recover, improve their well-being, and live normal lives.?As Africans, it is high time we ensure that our elected representatives are accountable for the provision of basic amenities especially in line with the Sustainable Development Goals that would lead to an improved quality of life.?

Abimbola Geraldine Salau?

Diary of a Resilient Dreamer?

#Mentalhealth #Suicide #Anxiety #Wellness #SocialDevelopment #SustainableDevelopmentGoals ?#UniversityofEdinburgh #sustainability #povertyalleviation #economicdevelopment

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