MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY TAGS MAY AS PURPLE MONTH.

The Mental Health Authority of Ghana has designated May as “Purple Month,” dedicated to mental health awareness. This initiative places Ghana in line with other countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, which also observe May for similar purposes.

Prof. Pinaman Appau, CEO of the Mental Health Authority, emphasized the need for extended awareness beyond the traditional World Mental Health Day observed on October 10th. “A single day is not enough to address the complex issues surrounding mental health. By expanding our focus to the entire month, we can make a more substantial impact,” said Prof. Appau. Previously, Ghana faced challenges with October’s overlapping observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which diluted the focus on mental health issues. The shift to May is strategic, avoiding conflicts and maximizing the impact of the awareness campaign. Ghana’s Purple Month is inspired by Mental Health America’s initiative started in 1949. Prof. Appau noted, “We are adopting a model that has shown great success in other nations. Our goal is to boost mental health awareness, combat stigma, and celebrate recovery, making a genuine difference in the lives of Ghanaians.”

Purple Month seeks to change that by advancing mental health treatment and behavioral health education. “We aim to foster dialogue, encourage proactive approaches to mental health, and ensure early intervention,” stated Prof. Appau. This year’s theme is: “Movement: Moving for Our Mental Health.” According to Prof Appau, the campaign aims to increase awareness about the significance of mental health and the beneficial impact of physical activity on psychological well-being. Dr. Pinaman Appau explained further that more than 2.3 million Ghanaians experience mental health disorders, and this makes awareness, education, and support for mental health advocacy more important now, than ever.“In keeping with the Authority’s mission to raise awareness among the general public, elevate the voices of mental health service users and caregivers, and fight for the rights and needs of individuals impacted, this month-long campaign also exhorts people to include movement in their daily lives as a means of promoting mental wellness.” She added.