Stress, Not Curses: KATH Psychiatrist Urges Public To Treat Mental Health As Medical Condition
The Senior Specialist and Acting Head of the Psychiatry Unit at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, has urged the public to stop viewing mental health conditions as spiritual attacks or curses, stressing that most mental health challenges are medical conditions linked largely to stress and can be treated professionally.
Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, she said misconceptions about mental illness continue to prevent many people from seeking early help.
“Mental health challenges are mostly caused by stress. They are not spiritual illnesses or curses; they are medical conditions that trained professionals understand and can treat,” she stated.
Dr. Owusu-Antwi explained that many people wrongly associate mental illness only with persons living on the streets or those appearing visibly disturbed, but research shows such cases represent only a small proportion of people living with mental health conditions.
She noted that many affected individuals are well dressed, employed, and functioning outwardly, while silently dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric conditions.
According to her, recent global studies show mental health conditions are becoming increasingly common.
She cited research published by Harvard University in 2023 suggesting that one in two people may experience a mental health challenge before death, compared to earlier World Health Organization (WHO) estimates of one in four.
“This shows how serious the issue is and why everyone must take steps to protect their mental well-being,” she said.
Dr. Owusu-Antwi stressed that developing a mental illness does not mean life is over, adding that treatment is available and recovery is possible when help is sought.
She explained that for behaviour to be considered a mental illness, it must cause distress to the individual, distress to people around them, or significantly affect their ability to function normally.
Touching on common conditions, she said persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks may be a sign of depression, often accompanied by fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and social withdrawal.
She added that mania, another mood disorder, may cause excessive happiness, overconfidence, or unusual energy levels, while bipolar disorder involves alternating episodes of depression and mania.
On prevention, Dr. Owusu-Antwi advised the public to prioritise sleep, good nutrition, regular exercise, and gratitude practices.
She said adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep in 4 days, warning that sleep loss can create “sleep debt,” which harms emotional and physical health.
She also encouraged balanced meals and exercising at least three times a week to reduce stress and improve well-being.
According to her, keeping a gratitude journal by writing down things one is thankful for can help shift attention away from problems, promote positivity, and lower stress levels.
Dr. Owusu-Antwi urged Ghanaians to take mental health seriously, seek professional help when needed, and support others facing psychological challenges without stigma.
