Amid rising concerns over escalating youth mental health issues globally, experts have cautioned parents about the urgent need to prioritize emotional wellbeing within households.
An increasing number of studies suggest that modern pressures exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders among young people.
According to the Founder of the Wellmen Foundation, Dr. Daniel Osei Yeboah “Children face unique stressors today that previous generations did not have to contend with. These structures can significantly affect a child’s mental state.”
During a mental health campaign tour to various Senior High Schools, starting with Prempeh College, experts from the foundation encouraged Parental involvement in addressing mental health challenges effectively.
According to Dr. Osei Yeboah, there must be an open dialogue between parents and children regarding feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
Additionally, setting aside quality time together fosters trust and strengthens familial bonds, providing safe spaces for expression and understanding.
Professor Isaac Kwame Dontwi, a council member of the Wellmen foundation emphasized the importance of modeling healthy behavior.
“Children often learn more from what they observe than what they’re told,” she explains. “By practicing good self-care routines and maintaining positive attitudes, parents demonstrate effective coping mechanisms and resilience strategies.”
He added that Ghanaian education system has begun implementing measures aimed at supporting student mental health, including counseling services and awareness campaigns however, true change starts at home: “Schools play a vital role, but ultimately, it falls on us as parents to create nurturing environments where our kids feel seen, heard, and loved.”
With proactive efforts centered around early intervention and prevention, coupled with ongoing support throughout childhood development stages, Ghana could potentially curb the tide of surging mental health crises among its younger population.
As societal norms continue evolving rapidly, prioritizing mental health becomes increasingly essential for ensuring future generations thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.