Personnel of the Air Force Base Accra have been sensitised on the issues of mental health at the Base on Thursday 25 July 2024. The programme aimed to educate personnel on mental health and also create awareness regarding measures to overcome mental health stigma.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Olivia Mawutor, a psychologist and an instructor at the Ghana Air Force Aviation College (GHFAC), highlighted the importance of mental health in our society. She also used the opportunity to talk about mental health stigma, which can cause more harm and distress to victims of mental health conditions, indicating that, individuals with mental health issues must be treated with love and care.

According to Mrs Olivia Mawutor, statistics available indicates that mental health issues within the Ghana Armed Forces especially amongst men were quite alarming, hence the need to create awareness within the Service.

She stated that, one of the major causes of mental health was stress, and therefore advised personnel to learn to cope with situations. She encouraged them to seek professional help whenever they are withdrawing from people and activities they used to enjoy.

By way of advice, Mrs Mawutor urged personal to desist from taking drugs and substances to calm down when they feel depressed and rather seek professional assistance.