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News Story
Mental Illness on the Increase as APC Hardship Continues to Hit.
4.24.2008
FREETOWN: NEW PEOPLE CORRESPONDENT: Because of the widespread poverty, trauma, unemployment in the country for the last 6 months, Dr. Edward Nahim, Sierra Leone's only psychiatric treatment professional has announced at a national workshop for healthcare professionals that he had detected a tremendous increase in cases of mental health illnesses. He noted that he does not believe that the situation will change soon because the prevailing triggers of social and economic hardship in the country are set to continue.
Dr. Nahim further observed that in the midst of privation and severe hardship, people would naturally resort to taking harmful drugs in order to ward off the psychological impact of being unable to care for their children or to provide for their families as well as deal with the harsh economic and social conditions. He advocated a strong communal approach to dealing with the problem, stressing that the country risks descending into anarchy if these issues are not dealt with immediately.
He also revealed that in spite of efforts by the past SLPP government to improve the facilities for the treatment and care of mental health patients such as the renovation of the Kissy Mental Home and the training of personnel, he noted that that effort had not been sustained under the current APC government.
He also stressed that it is worth investing in community and traditional treatment methods because this would have a tremendous impact on reducing the number of cases of mental illness. important that “every child in every corner gets access to basic quality education" and he believes that children deserve the gift of education.
He also highlighted the fact that the Kissy Mental Home, the primary care facility which was renovated extensively by the former SLPP government and commissioned in 2006, the APC government has not sustained repairs, improved working conditions, and provided materials and equipment for the staff.
Dr. Nahim also urged the government the government to help his dpartment coordinate mental health care in all districts through out the country.