Experts urge young people to seek help and avoid drug abuse

Young people have been urged to make their mental health a personal priority, avoid drug abuse and seek help whenever they experience emotional or psychological challenges, as experts warn that mental well-being is essential for living a healthy and productive life.

The call was made during a Health and Wellness Bootcamp organised under the Young and Safe Project at Ho Technical Institute. The boot camp, which forms part of a three-year initiative, educates students on mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, cyber hygiene, and substance abuse, while establishing Young and Safe Clubs to sustain peer education in schools.

Speaking at the programme, the In-Charge of the Mental Health Unit at Ho Municipal Hospital, Mr Joseph Gyeedu, described mental health as the foundation of overall well-being and encouraged students to make wise choices that would protect their future.

"My advice to the young ones is, let your mental health be a priority because mental health is total health. Physically you may be healthy, but if you are mentally weak, it will eventually affect your physical health as well," he said.

Mr Gyeedu urged students to stay away from drugs, alcohol and other harmful behaviours that could expose them to mental health conditions.

"Do the right things at the right time. Avoid drugs and alcohol and don't engage in things that can lead to mental illness. There is help available, but prevention is always better. A problem shared is half solved, so don't keep your challenges to yourself," he advised.

He expressed concern over the increasing abuse of drugs in the Ho Municipality, noting that new substances continue to emerge as users search for stronger ways to get intoxicated.

According to him, while health professionals will continue to educate the public and provide treatment, stronger law enforcement is needed to curb the sale and abuse of illicit drugs.

"We can educate and treat people, but we cannot arrest those selling drugs. The police and other authorities also have a responsibility to enforce the law so that our communities remain safe for everyone," he stated.

Mr Gyeedu also sought to correct misconceptions about mental health, explaining that it goes beyond severe mental illness.

He said participants were taken through the causes, warning signs and symptoms of mental illness, including persistent difficulty sleeping, poor appetite, inability to make sound decisions, hearing voices and other behavioural changes. He stressed that early intervention is important because professional support is available through mental health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and school guidance and counselling units.

Meanwhile, the Guidance and Counselling Coordinator of Ho Technical Institute, Mr Elvis Fiamengu, described the bootcamp as a timely intervention that complements the school's guidance and counselling programme, particularly its psychosocial support services.

According to him, the increasing use of digital devices among students has exposed many young people to cyber-related risks that can negatively affect their mental well-being and academic performance.

"The bootcamp has really strengthened the psychosocial aspect of our guidance programme. Young people are now exposed to many online influences, so this education is helping them to protect their mental well-being and remain focused on their studies," he said.

Mr Fiamengu urged students to reflect on the lessons learnt during the programme and apply them in their daily lives.

"I encourage every student to practise what they have learnt. Once your mind is taken away from you through harmful influences, you are only existing and not truly living. We want our students to become responsible citizens that Ghana will be proud of," he said.

The Young and Safe Project is implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, Ghana Education Service and other partners to promote positive mental health, prevent substance abuse and equip young people with the knowledge and resilience needed to make informed decisions and lead healthy, productive lives.

   Comments0