Counselling Psychologist and Mental Wellness Professional, Jaclyn Essien, has called for a change in how mental health challenges are understood and discussed in Ghana, saying people should not be made to feel weak or ashamed for seeking help.
According to her, societal pressure, cultural beliefs and fear of judgement continue to prevent many people from speaking openly about what they are experiencing emotionally and mentally.
Speaking on Springboard Hangout with host Comfort Ocran, Madam Jaclyn said many people had grown up being encouraged to suppress their emotions, with some being told to simply pray about their problems and move on because others were facing worse situations.
She said this approach had contributed to a culture where people often suffer quietly rather than seek the support they need. “People feel like when they open up about their mental health, they feel a bit of shame. They feel like they’re going to be misunderstood. They’re going to be judged,” she said.
The Counselling Psychologist said the situation could be addressed through regular mental health education in workplaces, communities, churches and other settings where people could learn to understand mental and emotional well-being.
She also called on organisations to provide safe spaces where employees could discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgement, suggesting that workplaces could have dedicated psychological support services.
The Mental Wellness Professional explained that mental health involved understanding how the mind works, managing stress and anxiety, regulating emotions and dealing with unresolved experiences that could affect a person’s life. According to her, one of the difficulties with mental health challenges is that people could appear fine externally while dealing with significant emotional struggles internally.
Madam Jaclyn identified sudden withdrawal from social activities, loss of concentration, emotional exhaustion, mood swings, changes in appetite, and loss of motivation as some signs that a person may be experiencing an emotional or mental health challenge.
She, however, cautioned that such changes should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a mental health condition, stressing the importance of communicating with the person and checking on their well-being. “Checking in on that friend, checking in on that colleague,” she advised, adding that people should ask deeper questions about how others were doing instead of being satisfied with a simple “I’m fine.”
She further explained that unresolved childhood experiences could continue to affect adults, particularly through their relationships, communication, anger, and emotional triggers. According to her, people who are still affected by painful childhood experiences should acknowledge them and seek professional support where necessary instead of ignoring them.
For individuals dealing with trauma, she recommended constant support, professional counselling and, where appropriate, spending time in environments where they feel safe and connected.
She recommended self-reflection, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, planning daily activities, changing one’s environment when necessary and speaking positively to oneself as some practical ways of supporting mental wellness.
In her closing message, she urged people to reject societal expectations that men must always be strong, women must suppress their emotions, and young people must achieve success quickly. “Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to someone about the issue,” she said.
Watch full episode here….https://www.youtube.com/live/_8N8ot0n0qs?si=2los1vNg0HTAvBP1
About Springboard Hangout
Springboard Hangout is a funducative, youth-centred show hosted by Comfort Ocran. It features inspiring stories, practical skills, and real-life experiences aimed at educating, entertaining, and equipping the next generation. The programme airs every Saturday at 4:00 PM on Joy Prime TV and on the Springboard Channel on Facebook and YouTube.
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