Poverty and hardship causing mental illness among many Ghanaians - Dr. Mensah

A senior medical practitioner and the Chief executive officer for Prophecy scientific herbal clinic, Noble Dr. Elijah Mensah Bonsu has revealed that many Ghanaians are living with mental illness (bipolar disorder) due to poverty and hardship. 

Dr. Mensah Bonsu in an interview with the New Crusading Guide News Paper published today on the front page called on Stakeholders to institute more effective measures to deal with Bipolar Disorder and uphold international best practices to help reduce the burden of mental illness in the country.

Citing some Ghanaian celebrities with Bipolar Disorder, for example, Dr. Bonsu said managing bipolar disorder can be challenging due to its chronicity and relapse during treatment.

Dr. Bonsu identified inadequate access to quality care, lack of compliance to treatment protocols, society stigma, negative religious interference, and inability to deal with triggers as causes that may increase risk factors initiating the episodes.

Dr. Bonsu in a press briefing today recommended a combination of therapies in addressing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of sufferers.