Prioritizing Mental Health Among KNUST Students

The collaboration between the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Counselling Centre and Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies aims to prioritize the emotional, psychological, and KNUST Students mental health. To enhance accessibility, the Counselling Centre will be launching a toll-free E-Counselling App specifically for students on campus.

Mrs. Victoria De-graft Adjei, the Head of the KNUST Counselling Centre, emphasized that this program is designed to address mental health issues among students in Kumasi.

Additionally, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson are leading the Resilient Minds Future Leaders Programme, which aims to develop the emotional resilience of students, enabling them to reach their full potential. Through this program, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies will also train healthcare professionals to effectively identify and provide timely support for mental health conditions.

The Neuroscience Product Specialist at Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Mr. Emmanuel Asante Antwi, emphasized that the primary objective of the program is to diminish stigma, enhance overall health, and elevate the quality of life for students on campus.

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“We are thankful for Johnson and Johnson’s significant support to KNUST, which includes enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals and implementing strategies to improve early access to appropriate interventions and care for patients. Our main aim is to combat stigma, boost overall health, and enrich the well-being of all university members.

We appreciate the collaboration and partnership of KNUST in this initiative. As we move forward together, let us reiterate our dedication to promoting a culture of empathy, understanding, and backing for mental health initiatives. By joining forces, we can empower upcoming generations to lead healthier and more resilient lives,” Mr. Asante Antwi stated.

Mrs. Victoria De-graft Adjei, the Head of the KNUST Counselling Centre, highlighted that the Counselling Centre encounters over two thousand cases of mental health issues annually, encompassing a range of conditions.

The Counselling Centre collaborates with the E-Learning centre to produce an Emotional Resilient podcast, which provides students with weekly insights on emotional resilience. Additionally, they are currently finalizing the development of an E-Counselling App, which will soon be launched to provide accessible support to all students. This toll-free App will ensure that assistance is just a fingertip away.

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Each year, the Counselling Centre attends to approximately 1800 to 2200 clients. Among these clients, males constitute 55 percent, while females make up 45 percent. Furthermore, 23 percent of these clients face psychological challenges such as stress, depression, attempted suicide, and Schizophrenia. It is important to acknowledge that everyone experiences mental challenges at some point in their lives, depending on the circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals at KNUST to look out for one another and be supportive.

The Head of the Department of Behavioural Sciences at KNUST, Professor Sister Frances Emily Owusu Ansah, has raised significant concerns regarding the high prevalence of mental health issues among the youth.

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It has been reported by the WHO that approximately 13 per cent of Ghanaians are affected by mental health problems. These issues, ranging from mild to severe, are particularly common among young people. In fact, 75 percent of youth have reported experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other related issues for the first time. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention, these conditions can be effectively treated, enabling those affected to lead fulfilling lives.

Mental health should be viewed as more than just the absence of disease; it should be seen as a state of holistic well-being that encompasses various aspects of wellness.