#40 - African Mental Health Status

Good mental health allows children and young people to develop a resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well rounded healthy adults. Mostly things that happen to children don’t lead to mental health problems on their own but traumatic events can trigger problems for children and young people who are already vulnerable.
Some people find it hard to make this transition to adulthood and may experiment with alcohol and drugs which affect mental health.

Enhancing social skills, problem solving skills and self- confidence can help prevent mental problems such as conduct disorders as well as other risk behaviors including those that relate to sexual behavior, substance abuse and violent behavior.

The stigma surrounding these conditions makes people reluctant to seek help.

Lack of service, data and awareness around mental health issues will inevitably further press the issue among the population.

PROGRESS OF MENTAL HEALTH IN AFRICA.
As much as mental health problems appear to be increasing in importance in Africa mental health issues are usually given very low priority in health service policies. Mental health is far less resourced and developed than other parts of the healthcare system despite the fact that mental health conditions are the single greatest cause of disability and suicide is the second greatest biggest killer of young people globally.

Short term training courses are an important solution but not the only one. Other approaches are also making in-roads into the problem. Equally task shifting whereby mental health training is given to lay workers, community volunteers and spiritual leaders offers great potential to a continent where scarcity of psychiatrists is heavily felt.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH IN AFRICA.

Poverty rates are twice as high in people with mental health conditions compared to those without. People living with mental illness or substance abuse disorders are more likely to be infected by HIV as poor mental health weakens immunity.

Stakeholders should take advantage of crisis such as the covid-19 pandemic to promote a long term agenda for mental health and lobby for major cross government commission reviews. A national survey on mental health conditions is key for every country because under recognition of the prevalence and impact of mental health is one reason it doesn’t get enough attention.
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