Mental health is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) fully, not merely as the absence of mental disorders but also as psychological, spiritual, and social well-being. It might be essential to intervene in a person’s overall health if he or she lacks harmony in their community or engages in harmful conduct, regardless of their physical state. There are emotional, cognitive, and behavioral factors to mental health. Being in a balance of feelings and thoughts allows people to build positive conduct and solid relationships.
In Ethiopia, most have distorted views about mental illness, which is mostly perceived as a curse or punishment from God. These perceptions give rise to undesirable practices, such as social exclusion and dependence only on religious interventions.
Contrastingly, physical health conditions are more openly talked about compared to mental health disorders, making it harder to access aid and comprehend what happens. The stigma also discourages people from getting help, and most suffer in silence.
Dr. Atalay Alem, a leading psychiatrist in Ethiopia, recognizes some indicators that indicate mental health ailments. “Mental health encompasses the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral domains,” he explains.
“In signs of note are distress, restlessness, or anxiety; dysfunction, such as impaired ability to perform daily activities or impaired work or school productivity; social withdrawal, leading to avoidance of relationships; neglect of hygiene and self-care; and inappropriate acts that violate societal norms.” Recognition of the foregoing signs is likely to contribute to early intervention.
The etiology of mental illness is multifactorial in nature, comprising biological, psychological, and social. The biological reasons can be genetic in nature and drug-related. Social reasons are usually due to economic issues, community crises, or major life events.
Psychological reasons usually have their origins in early childhood and education. Awareness of the different causes helps in developing integrated prevention and treatment strategies.
Although mental illnesses are rarely fatal, they can significantly reduce life expectancy and impose economic hardships on individuals and families. The societal impact is profound, affecting productivity, social cohesion, and overall development.
Professor Atalay emphasizes that mental health should be given equal priority to all stakeholders. He promotes equal access to services and further points out that in developing countries like Ethiopia, mental health may not always be given a high priority compared to other health issues. The lack of priority results in poor resources and continuity of stigma, barring people from seeking help. Mental health care has to be enhanced for the greater good of individuals and communities.
During an interview with The Ethiopian Herald, psychiatrist Ibrahim Nuru, proprietor and administrator of the Healthy Life Rehabilitation Center, conceded the difficulties of providing mental health care in the nation.
The center, which has been in operation for one and a half years, caters to local and international clients-includes citizens from Canada and the USA-and treated successfully about 100 patients suffering from addiction and mental illness. Although there are services available, people do not use them, especially in rural areas. The reasons for this are poverty, ignorance, and cultural stigma.
Ibrahim Nuru also highlighted the critical shortage of mental health workers in Ethiopia. Most of the psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers are concentrated in urban settings like Addis Ababa, leaving the rural population with very limited access. This deficit exacerbates mental health inequalities and hinders early intervention.
He highlights the need to mainstream mental health within the general health system and bring aboard all the stakeholders-the government, private sector, development partners-to reach solutions that are sustainable.
Seeking mental health care in rural areas remains challenging due to distance, resource constraints, and cultural barriers. But technology has promising solutions. The Healthy Life Rehabilitation Center employs telemedicine and internet-based solutions to provide remote mental health and substance abuse care, reaching clients beyond city limits.
Such solutions increase access, allow people to gain control of their mental health, and help bridge the gap between urban and rural areas.
The use of digital technology in mental health is expanding very rapidly. With the growth of technology that is increasingly sophisticated and omnipresent, it is an economical means of providing care, providing psycho education, and facilitating support groups. In the case of Ethiopia, where rural communities are comprised of vast populations, such a technological innovation is essential to increasing mental health services and making them accessible everywhere.
Improving mental health care is not just a matter of an individual’s well-being; it has broader socio-economic ramifications. Mental illness directly affects productivity, employment, and social cohesion. Untreated mental disorders cause increased disability, unemployment, and healthcare costs. Conversely, investing in mental health can enhance economic growth through reduced absenteeism and enhanced workforce capacity.
Besides, mental health activities enhance social cohesion and community resilience. When people are properly treated, they can better participate in social and economic functioning, constructing society’s fabric. Governments and development actors are aware that mental health is at the forefront of sustainable development, and their support can bring dramatic change.
Development partners are key to the advancement of Ethiopian mental health care. Through financing, capacity building, and advocacy, they enable the expansion of services, training health workers, and sensitization.
They can also help to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and community-based programs to broaden access and cultural sensitivity.
Ibrahim emphasizes goodwill and cooperation from everybody involved. Creating a complete mental health system requires collective responsibility, innovative solutions, and sustained effort. He demands increased investment, policy reform, and people’s participation to set up a system that caters to the needs of all Ethiopians.
In summary, Ethiopia stands at a crossroads in mental health development. Although there are still formidable challenges, there are also great opportunities in the nation to increase awareness, broaden services, and reduce stigma. Mental health needs to be prioritized-not only for personal recovery but also for national progress.
With collaborative efforts and coordination among government, private sector, and communities, Ethiopia can ensure a future with mental health services that are available, acceptable, and stigma-free. This kind of change will result in healthier people, more resilient communities, and a healthier nation.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
