Mental health conditions require serious attention – Psychiatrist
Dr. Frank Banning, a Psychiatrist at the Pantang Psychiatric Hospital, on Wednesday said mental health conditions should be given the needed attention since it effects all manner of individuals.
He said “Mental health condition is not a respecter of persons; anybody is at risk and prone to mental illness and emotional problems”.
Dr. Banning called for a national policy on mental health just like HIV/AIDS in order to mitigate its impact on society.
He made the call at a two-day workshop, organized by MindFreedom Ghana, a mental Health non-governmental organisation, civil society organizations, assembly members, health professionals and the media, at Daboase in the Western Region.
The workshop that was sponsored by USAID sought to increase public awareness and dialogue on mental health in the Region.
Dr. Banning said it was disheartening to know that people who suffered from such conditions were often relegated to the background with or without any meaningful family or societal support.
He said 50 per cent of people living with HIV or AIDS suffer mental health conditions due to shock and the pressure the disease put on them.
Dr. Banning said: “Just as there is a national commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS, there should be a similar commitment to mental health conditions”.
Source: GNA