Weak treatment infrastructures to limited resources to cater for patients, care and treatment to other challenges, continue to surface on a daily basis.
In fact, issues related to mental health disorder seem to be out of public glare for various reasons. Experts say it is the single largest cause of disabilities in the world and that it is such that it is an international health concern that is gaining considerable attention.
In most sub-Saharan African countries, the treatment and care for this type of people is weak in such ways that treatment takes years.
To this end, it is high time that society changes its attitude and approach towards people suffering from mental disorders. Stigma, discrimination and other social issues tend to worsen the condition of people affected with mental disorders.
Mental health, as defined by the World Health Organization is “a state of well-being in which the individual copes with the usual stresses of family and community living” or as “fulfillment of each person’s potential” is at the heart of public health.
The problem - still a neglected field in many countries of the world - is as fundamental to public health as is physical health.
Recently, the National Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Health convened a day’s orientation on the draft Mental Health Bill held at CIAM conference Hall, Kanifing.
Suffice it to state here that The Gambia continues to rely on the outdated ‘Lunatic’ Detention Act of 1917 as the primary tool when dealing with cases of mental health disorders in the country. In a move to develop a comprehensive legislation that would guide the country in managing issues related to mental health, the Ministry of Health developed anew a draft legislation in 2017 in line with WHO checklist.
Worldwide, at least 13% of people between the ages of 10 and 19 live with a diagnosed mental-health disorder, according to a report.
This is the first time a report of that nature has tackled the challenges in and opportunities for preventing and treating mental-health problems among young people. It reveals that adolescent mental health is highly complex; understudied and underfunded.
It is widely believed that anxiety and depression constitute more than 40% of mental-health disorders among young people. Also, abuse of illicit hard substance could also cause such disoreders.
We call on the government of The Gambia to invest in those affected with mental disorders and improve their living conditions. This issue is a growing-phenomena that needs urgent attention.
Let’s remember that everyone is vulnerable to mental health problems regardless of one’s status. Therefore, there is a need for strong community participation and to do away with all forms of discrimination and stereotypes.