By: Roberta Gayode Modin
A Mental Health Nurse, Brenda Mawuse Agbo has called for the inclusion of mental health screening as part of standard pre-marital testing, emphasizing the importance of understanding a partner’s mental wellbeing before entering into marriage.
Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show, the nurse highlighted that while couples often prioritize tests for genotype, blood group compatibility, and other common health screenings, they often neglect their mental state — a critical factor that can significantly impact marital stability.
“When you’re getting married, don’t just do genotype and blood group tests. You should also undergo a mental state assessment, because you can never tell what someone is dealing with internally,” she advised.
The nurse acknowledged the role of counselors in preparing couples for marriage but noted that counseling alone is not sufficient to uncover underlying psychological issues.
“Some people have deep-seated anger issues that they keep hidden. Others may be struggling with serious mental health conditions while presenting themselves as perfectly normal. Mental health is not written on anyone’s face,” she cautioned.
She stressed the need for increased awareness and normalization of mental health checks, especially in critical life decisions such as marriage.
The conversation formed part of a broader discussion on managing people with mental illness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in Ghana.
