Akorfa Wallace: Mental Health Advocate
*What do you wish women knew about mental health? And how can they know if they are suffering from mental health issues?
I wish all women knew that mental health is just as important as physical health. Just like you would go and seek treatment for cancer, or a migraine, or even when you are pregnant, if you are not feeling well within yourself, go seek help and treatment for your mental health. And also, I wish women would know that we often put our children and our partners first. Sometimes it is just as important to put ourselves first. If you are not feeling well, you matter as well and you should seek help.
*As a mental health advocate, what is the most common thing you hear from people living with mental health conditions?
I think the most common thing that I hear as a mental health advocate, as someone who has worked with a lot of people young and old, is the lack of understanding and the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This is not just something in Ghana, but all over the world. We are still yet to be okay with knowing that our loved ones, or even ourselves can suffer from mental health issues, and we often do not want to talk about it. We often want to forget it even exists. But it does exist. Do the medical professionals fully understand all mental health conditions? No, there is still a lot of research going on in terms of the causes and the symptoms. But mental health is real, and having that empathy for people who might be suffering, empathy for ourselves or the ones that we love is exceptionally important, and the first step to getting treatment.
*Can mental health issues and trauma be passed on to children? If so, what do you want parents with mental health conditions to know?
There is this phenomenon within the psychology field called epigenetics. It describes how conditions such as depression and anxiety can actually penetrate your cells, and mutate, and go through the generation. So if you as a mother is under severe stress, depression, or anxiety, you can actually pass it to your children. Just like cancer though, it means that you may be at a higher risk of also having the same condition your parent has. That does not mean you are going to definitely have it. It is just to be aware of these things and see how best you can advise yourself and your children. What I would say to parents – as a parent myself – is that if you look after yourself, your children will also learn to look after themselves. So you take the first step and be that role model, and be honest with them. Children are born with that empathy, especially for their parents, naturally, and sometimes your first line of support. Do not tell them necessarily too much, but just say that you are seeking help, depending on the age of the child. If you want your children to be healthy for the rest of their lives, you also need to role model that for your children.
* In our culture, there is often an emphasis on staying committed and working through challenges in marriages. As a mental health advocate, how do you approach the topic of when it may be necessary for someone to consider ending a marriage? What factors or signs do you believe should be taken into account?
Whether someone stays or leaves a marriage is such a personal decision, that there aren’t any hard and fast rules around it. I would definitely advise women who are being physically, mentally or emotionally abused to consider leaving the marriage, both for their safety and that of any children they may have.
* You mentioned that mental health issues can be passed down through generations. How do we break this cycle and ensure that our children and future generations are not affected by these challenges? What strategies or approaches do you believe can help in preventing the transmission of mental health issues to the next generation?
Epigenetics proposes that trauma and conditions such as anxiety and depression can cause our cells to change and impact the next generation. In order to break the cycle, we need to be cognizant of certain patterns. Are you going through something your mother went through, or your grandmother went through? Ask yourself why you respond to certain situations in a certain manner; this could be a learned response. And anything we learn, can be unlearned.
Studies also show that mental health conditions such as depression can be improved through healthy diet and exercise. This is an often overlooked solution yet has been proven to work. So please take a look at your lifestyle. Doctors now recommend at least thirty minutes of exercise a day and ensure you’re eating less salt, sugar, meat and fat. You’ll begin to notice a difference over time.
However it’s important to state that we are all individuals and just because you may suffer from mental health conditions, does not mean your children will and vice versa. Our children could be wired differently to us and that’s okay too. Being empathetic towards them and helping them find solutions is what is important.
* When it comes to identifying signs that a woman’s behaviour might be a cry for help, what are some indicators or behaviours that mental health experts like yourself pay attention to? How do you approach understanding and addressing the unique challenges that women may face in seeking help?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, edition 5 (DSM-5) contains 20 disorder chapters and 300 mental illnesses. Also if we factor in that we are all different and our responses and behaviours may be shaped by cultural and societal norms and expectations, it then becomes difficult to categorically state some of the indicators. Diagnosing mental illness is different from diagnosing physical illness. For example, if you have a broken bone, an x-ray can confirm the broken bone. Yet despite concerted efforts by psychiatrists and psychologists since Freud’s time, science is yet to demonstrate physical signs of mental illness. As a result, health professionals rely on the DSM-5 which lists symptoms for each condition known. Someone who feels they may be experiencing a mental disorder is best advised to seek out a professional who can carry out the recommended tests, such as the Beck’s Depression Inventory, for example.
Women face unique challenges when seeking help because of the stigma still prevalent in our society. It’s particularly difficult because women could be labelled “mad” or a “witch” which then causes further embarrassment to them and their families and could lead to ostracization and extreme distress. Additionally, many women are financially dependent on their men, making it difficult to seek professional help without their partner’s approval and support.
* When a parent’s child discloses experiences of inappropriate touching, shares their sexuality, and opens up about issues of depression, what advice do you have for parents on how to effectively handle this complex situation? How can parents provide the necessary support, understanding, and resources to address each of these concerns in a sensitive and appropriate manner?
It’s exceptionally important for parents to show understanding and compassion. It’s very courageous of any child to open up about such issues and they need reassurance first and foremost that they remain loved and are of value. I’d encourage any parent to hold off on judgement and practice listening to their child. It’s an honour to be our children’s safe space, so let’s not let them down. After a child has opened up to you, it’s important to reaffirm your love and support for them. If the disclosure is concerning inappropriate touching make sure you do not allow the child near the perpetrator. Ask the child carefully to tell you what happened and don’t accuse the child of lying or placing the blame on the child. Promise the child you’ll keep them safe and if possible, report the person to the police. If the child discloses their sexuality to you, appreciate it’s very courageous of them to do so, especially in this climate. Love and cherish them and leave the judgement at the door. If your child is experiencing depression or any other mental health condition, try to seek help for the child. Knowing that mental health professionals are few and far between in Ghana, you can take advantage of the internet where there exists a range of resources. But also look at the child’s diet and exercise. Role modelling healthy living will help your child too.