The Mental Health Unit at Nkwanta St. Joseph Catholic Hospital in the Oti Region has voiced grave concerns over the dramatic rise in suicide cases nationwide during Mental Health Awareness Month.
With 543 suicide attempts this year—81 of which were fatal—recent figures show a worrying trend. Compared to 2023, when there were 594 attempts but a lower death rate of 44, this represents an increase.
Mental health practitioners have called for immediate action and increased awareness of mental health issues in response to these statistics.
Christiana Maku Ocansey, a mental health officer, stressed the necessity of a comprehensive strategy to deal with this escalating epidemic.
According to Ocansey, the Mental Health Unit is actively trying to help people in need by offering resources and support, including community outreach initiatives aimed at educating the general public about mental health. “Preventing more tragedies requires fostering a supportive environment,” she stated.
To guarantee that care is available to everyone, the unit is supporting better mental health services and resources in addition to community efforts.
In order to lessen the stigma attached to seeking support, Ocansey encouraged families to seek medical attention and have candid conversations rather than viewing mental illness as a spiritual problem and only resorting to prayer camps.
