Mental Health in Africa: “It’s all in your head”
- AfricanAffairsNetwork
- Jun 27, 2019
- 3 min read
By Frankie, Vice President
A Family curse. Taboo. Shameful. All words used to describe how mental health is viewed in Africa. But are these words true? Or is our society so deep rooted in tradition and believing in a God that we refuse to let this stereotype go? Mental health patients are labelled as the “forgotten people.” They are never mentioned in any African political debate or given any “extra” attention by governments across Africa.
Can you believe that there have been real life cases where engagements have been called off because a relative of the bride or groom has a mental health issue. Why? Because there is a fear that the bride/groom may have a similar problem and it is seen as curse than something that can be treated.
In some African countries mental health patients are sent to prayer camps where they are tied to trees if they are deemed to be violent or have a tendency to run away. Families spend all the money they have to seek spiritual healing for their loved ones even if it may result in them not having food to eat. Having a mental health issue can result in isolation and public humiliation which can result in a cocktail of mental health issues including paranoia, depression and social anxiety.
The big question is HOW CAN WE CHANGE THIS STEREOTYPE?
Personally, I do not think the problem is down to the healthcare professionals because they have received adequate training. I feel that the problem is that unfortunately we do not have enough resources (medicine and medical equipment) to help those who have mental health issues.
We know what medication can help such individuals but the money needed to buy the medication is not available. In Sub-Saharan Africa it has been estimated that 0.5% of health expenditures is allocated to government founded mental health projects! An astonishing 75% of mental health patients from low-income African countries are not getting the help that they need. Help which could potentially result in a normal and stable life.
One of the things that is really holding Africa back in the fight against mental health is the lack of understanding and education surrounding the topic. As the saying goes “charity begins at home”. Parents themselves need to be educated on what mental health is so they can educate their children so they can spot the signs of a potential mental health issue.
Another great saying is “prevention is better than cure”! There are many ways in which the African community can prevent loved ones and ourselves from suffering from mental health issues. Examples of these are listed below:
STOP thinking you can do everything by yourself! If you need help or advice, please seek it from someone you trust. Bottling it inside will not help
We need to become more open with our families and friends when we think something isn’t right with us.
There’s nothing to be ashamed of.Learn more about mental health online and learn how to help those who need it.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! They are some non-profit organisations who’s sole purpose is to bring to light mental health issues in Africa. Africa Mental Health Foundation (AMHF) a Kenyan based organisation which focuses on “research in mental and neurological health and substance use to generate evidence for policy and best practice in the provision of affordable, appropriate, available and accessible mental health services”
For more information on charities helping those in Africa with mental health problems please visit the websites listed below:
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