Stigma and misconceptions about mental health continue to prevent many people from seeking timely medical care, a radiologist at the Life Healthcare Centre, Dr Eyram Mawulolo Dagadu, has warned.
Dr Dagadu said several people continued to suffer in silence because they either lacked adequate knowledge about mental health conditions or feared discrimination from society.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Tema, he said the delay in seeking professional help often allowed conditions to worsen before treatment was sought.
He therefore called for sustained public education and awareness campaigns to help communities recognise early signs of mental health conditions and encourage affected persons to seek professional assistance.
According to him, increased awareness would also help dispel misconceptions that mental illness was caused by spiritual problems or represented a personal failure.
He stressed that mental health conditions were medical conditions that could be treated effectively with appropriate professional care.
Dr Dagadu explained that mental health facilities provide comprehensive care through multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses and social workers.
Such professionals, he said, work together to support patients throughout the treatment and recovery process.
He encouraged individuals experiencing persistent emotional or psychological distress to seek medical attention at recognised health facilities.
He said patients could receive appropriate interventions, including counselling, therapy and medication, depending on their condition and professional assessment.
Dr Dagadu further urged the public to promote open conversations about mental health and avoid stigmatising people experiencing psychological or emotional challenges.
He said reducing stigma and improving public understanding of mental health would encourage more people to seek help early and ultimately improve treatment outcomes.
