A mental health awareness lecture has been held for personnel at the Air Force Headquarters on Thursday 1 August 2024. The lecture was aimed at equipping personnel with the necessary information on mental health and its associated disorders. In her opening remarks, the Gender Advisor, Wing Commander Francisca La-Anyane reiterated the importance Command attaches to the mental health status of personnel. She stated that a series of lectures on mental health will be carried out at the various Headquarters and Bases to ensure personnel are sensitised on the subject.

Delivering her lecture, a certified psychologist and an instructor at the Ghana Air Force Aviation College (GHFAC), Mrs Olivia Mawutor, highlighted the importance of properly managing mental health disorders and the need to seek assistance from only certified psychologists when the need arises.

She further spoke about some common types of mental health disorders like anxiety disorders, depression and Post­­­ Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the devastating threats it poses on an individual’s health. As a curtailing factor, she encouraged personnel to prioritise stress management, since stress is one of the causes of mental health disorder.

Mrs Mawutor advised personnel not to stigmatise against persons living with such conditions but rather encourage them to seek help promptly from an appropriate medical authority. 

“Mental illnesses are treatable, so I entreat you to desist from seeking help from wrong sources. Continue to raise awareness about mental health, encourage open conversations and provide support to those facing mental health challenges” she added.