By: Sheku Osman Swaray
Sierra Leonanan over the years faced tragic mental health issues among young people who have become alarming concern specifically Sierra Leone and other countries. As the world becomes increasingly fast-paced and digitally driven, many adolescents and young adults find themselves struggling with overwhelming stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that often go unnoticed or unaddressed. These become issues of the day and lead to distraction of mental health.
Globally and sierra Leone is not exceptional The young youth of today face a range of pressures academic expectations, unemployment, social media influence, family instability, peer pressure, and trauma from poverty and conflict. These factors can significantly affect their emotional well-being, leading to mental health conditions that can hinder their development and future potential.
It has been an issue of concern like Sierra Leone, cultural stigma surrounding mental illness remains a major barrier. Many young people are afraid to speak up or seek help for fear of being judged or labeled. As a result, cases of untreated mental health conditions are on the rise, contributing to school dropouts, substance abuse, violence, and in some cases, suicide. Most of these incidents are raised due to too much poverty in a country.
Health professionals and medical experts are now calling for urgent action. Mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health.
According to a final year pharmacy student at COMAHS ( Albert Quee) he expressed his knowledge that mental health is an emotional or physiological social well being for someone to perform well as expected. He mentioned that it is significant to young people like stress in a relationship with partners and anxiety in academic performance.
Also stated the impact as people need safe spaces, trained counselors in schools and universities, and public awareness campaigns to break the silence and stigma. He highlighted some of the key responsibilities of the government like to address poverty, unemployment facility, government should create awareness campaign to the youth, and bring canceling of encouragement to young people.
However, medical facilities in the University surrounding should provide an up to date drug and seek students well being frequently. He also stated that the government has to make some efforts, such as integrating mental health services into primary healthcare and supporting community outreach programs, but more investment and collaboration are needed. Youth organizations, religious institutions, families, and policymakers must all work together to create a supportive environment where young people can thrive emotionally and psychologically.
Education on mental wellness, It is time to prioritize the mental health of our youth because their minds matter just as much as their futures.