Support people experiencing mental health challenges –MHA urges

The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for greater support for people experiencing mental health challenges following an increase in recorded cases of five leading mental health conditions.

The cases, Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, epilepsy, depression, mental disorders due to alcohol and bipolar disorders rose from 29,782 in the first half of 2025 to 36,196 for the same period in 2026, representing an increase of 6,414 cases.

The authority said the increase could partly reflect more people seeking help and treatment, but cautioned that the figures did not represent the full picture of mental health conditions in the country.

Schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders topped the list, with 15,193 cases, representing 33 per cent of the total.

Epilepsy follows with 9,072 cases, accounting for 20 per cent, while depression recorded 5,939 cases, representing 13 per cent.

Mental disorders associated with alcohol use accounted for 3,081 cases, representing seven per cent, while bipolar disorder recorded 2,911 cases, or six per cent.

The figures were contained in a press release issued by the Authority ahead of World Mental Health Day celebration observed on October 10, under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

In a statement signed by the Deputy Chief Executive of the Authority, Dr Vivian Maame Aba Dadzie, it explained that the figures covered only five of the 10 conditions it monitored and did not include people who might be reluctant to seek treatment because of stigma and other barriers.

It noted that mental health conditions could affect productivity, reduce the available workforce and place pressure on families, with wider implications for national development.

According to the authority, people living with mental health conditions should not be viewed merely as recipients of treatment but as active participants whose experiences, strengths and perspectives could help improve mental health services.

It also stressed the importance of listening to people with lived experience and involving them in decisions about their care.

It urged traditional and religious leaders to promote healing without harm and encouraged the media to report mental health issues responsibly and challenge harmful stereotypes.

The Authority called on families, communities, health professionals and other stakeholders to create supportive environments where people experiencing mental health challenges could seek care without fear of discrimination.

The Authority further called on health professionals to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that respected the rights and dignity of patients.

It emphasised the need to create safe and supportive spaces where people could discuss mental health concerns, access appropriate care and participate fully in their communities.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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