By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
A Mental Health Advocate at the Lekma Hospital Psychology Unit, Stanislaus Nyaku, has emphasized the critical role of communication in maintaining mental wellness, warning that a lack of communication can lead to a range of psychological challenges, including depression and anxiety.
In Ghana, awareness about mental health is gradually gaining traction, but stigma and lack of open dialogue still pose major barriers. The Ghana Health Service estimates that nearly 3 million Ghanaians are living with some form of mental health condition.
However, only a fraction seek professional help, often due to fear of judgment, lack of awareness, or limited access to care.
Speaking on the Business Breakfast show on ZED 101.9FM, Mr. Nyaku explained that human beings are inherently social and not meant to exist in isolation.
He described communication as “a fabric that holds our existence together,” noting that when people stop communicating, it creates fertile ground for mental health issues to thrive.
“When you are down and depression is knocking on your door, one thing that can worsen the symptoms is withdrawal or isolation. The more you stay in that state, the faster your depression symptoms escalate,” Mr. Nyaku said.
The mental health advocate also addressed anxiety, describing it as an irrational fear that often builds up in silence.
According to him, people struggling with anxiety tend to overthink situations and misinterpret intentions around them.
“They might believe someone is against them or wants to harm them, even when that’s not the case,” he noted.
The mental health advocate stressed that open conversations are key to breaking the cycle of anxiety and depression.
“When you begin to talk about what you’re battling with internally and ask the hard questions, you’re likely to find clarity, and that reduces the emotional burden significantly,” he explained.
Mr. Nyaku warned that eliminating communication from our lives would put mental health “in a serious crisis,” and called on individuals, families, and workplaces to foster environments where honest conversations are encouraged.
