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Suicide is second leading cause of death among the youth- Health Director

The Country Director for the World Health Organization, (WHO), Dr. Owen Kaluwa says suicide is the second leading cause of death among the youth, especially those aged between 15 and 29. He indicated that depression, which is a form of mental health disorder is a major cause of suicide cases.

Harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs among adolescents are also contributory factors to the many mental health cases. Dr. Kaluwa said this at the launch of the 2018 World Mental Health Day which focused on young people and mental health in a changing world.

The Sustainable Development Goal 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all and at all ages. Although African countries are making progress, much more can be done to build mental resilience from an early age to help prevent mental distress and illness among adolescents and young adults and to manage recovery. Mental health is fundamental to overall health and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The WHO Country Director, Dr. Owen Kaluwa stated that depression is the third leading cause of mental illness and disability among adolescents globally. He said his organization has developed tools to support parents, caregivers and teachers to build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges.

The Hospital Director, Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Pinamang Appau said there is a need for government to invest heavily into the mental health sector.

She called on government to ensure that the mental health fund is effective and called for its inclusion in the National health insurance scheme. The week long celebration is to promote the social and emotional well-being of the youth and educate the citizenry about mental illness.