A medical expert is advocating a shift toward preventive mental healthcare, urging Ghanaians to adopt routine mental health check-ups as part of their overall wellness practices.
Dr Ralph Armah, Medical Director of Tema General Hospital, said early screening for conditions such as anxiety and depression could significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Speaking after a stakeholder engagement organised by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly in Tema, he emphasised that many mental health conditions develop gradually and are often overlooked until they become severe.
According to him, prioritising regular assessments allows for early intervention, which can prevent the progression of symptoms into more serious conditions requiring hospitalisation.
Dr Armah also highlighted the strong link between mental and physical health, noting that untreated mental conditions could contribute to issues such as chronic pain and reduced quality of life.
He added that the growing availability of dedicated mental health units in hospitals is helping to normalise care and reduce stigma, encouraging more people to seek professional support.
The call comes in the wake of recent events in Tema, reinforcing the need for greater awareness and proactive approaches to mental health.
Dr Armah further encouraged individuals to pay attention to changes in mood, sleep patterns, and behaviour, and to adopt simple self-monitoring practices such as journaling to track their emotional well-being.
