Witch-Hunting The Old: Implications For Mental Health

It is saddening to hear people refer to our old folks as witches or wizards. Now, it is even an inurement to do so, because society has allowed it. Our so-called ‘prophets’ even worsen things as they brand our parents and grandparents as agents behind the attack of relatives; something which in reality might be related to physical, emotional or psychological factors. The truth is, sometimes these people suffer mental problems and may have no idea of what they are accused of.

Back in those days, old age was a blessing and our older generation were referred to as WISE. This is because at that age they had passed through most of the problems that come with life; therefore, they were the first to be sought after for counsel. They were revered because there was a lot to learn from them.

But now everything has changed, and we call our old people witches and wizards. Is Western religion the cause of this, or is it something we’re just beginning to realize? Oh, what is happening to mother Ghana! To the extent that there are “witches’ camps” in Ghanaian communities like ‘Gambaga’, ‘Kukuo’ and others. These victims are treated inhumanly even in their own homes, and so some pray and call for death so they can finally get some peace.

But has anyone heard about DEMENTIA? Perhaps, all of us can learn a thing or two about it. Dementia is a mental condition caused by brain degeneration or breakdown. It starts gradually and is mostly found in the elderly, commonly among persons who are 60 years and older. The condition may be related to Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.

Risk factors for Dementia include nutritional deficiencies such as folic acid and vitamin B12, infections such as syphilis and meningitis, brain tumour, head injury, alcohol abuse, and heredity.

Common manifestations of the condition include loss of recent or past memory, disorientation to time, place and person, episodes of confusion, poor judgement, mood swings, and hallucinations.

Others are inappropriate sexual behaviour, example of which is the exposure of genitals, and paranoia. The affected person may become restless and may wander aimlessly. He or she may repeat words unnecessarily, talk too much, or give false accounts of events. And so, if your mother recounts a story in confession to a so-called ‘prophet’ that she is a witch, maybe you should have her checked at the hospital too.

There are so many ways of managing such patients both at home and at the hospital. It is important to stop accusing our innocent parents and take them to a nearby health facility for screening, treatment and guidance on how to manage them at home.

Let us all wake up and be vigilant. I do not think that if these victims are really what they are accused of, they would nurture us to become who we are before causing us havoc. I am not doubting the idea that witchcraft is real, but most of these parents are also victims of a mental health problem.