Introduction

As a resident of an underprivileged neighbourhood, Adam never hesitates to consult John, the gastroenterologist, about the former’s ulcerative colitis. He has regularly visited John’s clinic for 10 years. Recent studies assert that mental health deterioration can worsen this condition. However, Adam has never considered paying only one visit to Steven, the psychiatrist, running a clinic down the street. He always brushes the idea off. Surprisingly, Adam is not the only one adopting this attitude toward psychiatry. There are several Adams out there, clinging to the same attitude. This raises several questions, addressing the nature of mental health awareness in underprivileged communities.   

Is it stigmatization? 

Mental health experts cite stigma as the major reason, preventing 70% of Africans with mental health issues from receiving professional interventions. To some, mental health disorders assume vulnerability. Moreover, in some cultures, supernatural forces are believed to be the reason for mental health illnesses. What adds insult to injury is that people usually pick on mentally disordered individuals. Usually, this attitude reflects a lack of awareness, leading to immature conduct. In a more dramatic scenario, it may develop into bullying, scarring the tender fabric of mentally disordered souls. Reactions to such unapologetic behaviours may vary based on the situation’s intensity and the victim’s sensitivity. However, in underprivileged communities, the outcome is almost the same every single time. Victims, i.e., mentally disordered individuals, prefer to submit to the transgressors, who probably get off the hook. For further protection, they never dare to share their mental issues with anyone, including their own families. Here, stigmatization is the master of the scene. It imprisons their free will to express what aches them the most. Nevertheless, pain is there for a reason. It is an alarm, indicating that there is a major issue. Like physical pain, when ignored, complications develop. 

Is it due to Financial Constraints? 

Financial constraints come second to stigma as a reason for avoiding mental health treatment, among Africans with mental health issues. The percentage approaches 60%, according to recent studies. Health insurance does not usually cover mental health care, a fact that makes it unaffordable for many families. Treatment of mental health issues is a long journey, extending for years. This necessitates having both time and finances to fulfil the mission successfully, let alone the willpower to proceed persistently. As a need, coming at the tail of the priorities list, mental health care does not receive the appropriate attention. Hence, it is usually overlooked by several families. Some individual volunteer efforts are exerted to lighten the burden of underprivileged families. However, they are still beyond the limit required by such communities. Even charitable organizations do not consider mental health a priority. To them, physical needs should be prioritized over psychological ones. Fundamentally, this reflects the lack of awareness possessing the whole community. The consequences remain the same, though. Occasionally, online platforms are utilized as a replacement for the traditional channels of treatment. Professionalism cannot be guaranteed, however, especially when resorting to social media platforms of untrustworthy entities. 

What are the Takeaways? 

Prevention is always better than a cure. Families should be at the forefront of protecting their members. Nipping the mental health issue in the bud is the solid shield, preventing the monster from feeding on fear. Once protected with this shield, individuals gain the power to face the outer world. Certainly, communities do not change in a day or a night. However, raising awareness of mental health issues is a long-term process, fostered by patience and understanding. All, including individuals with mental health issues, should be involved in this awareness process. The bottom line is “mental health issues are the same as physical ones”. All community institutions should collaborate to communicate this message effectively across various categories and sectors. Simultaneously, innovative solutions to the current issues of mental health care should be developed. These solutions may vary, based on the nature of every community. Nevertheless, solidarity is the keyword, unifying all involved parties.  Solutions may include raising funds, supporting underprivileged individuals with mental health issues. Financial aid should be provided anonymously to guarantee privacy until the whole community stops stigmatizing them. Meanwhile, institutions, involved in mental health care activities, may receive funds based on previously announced conditions. Another solution is running campaigns on popular social media platforms to raise awareness of mental health care.  

Conclusion

“We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently.” — Michelle Obama. Mental health issues and physical ones should be treated equally. Inaccessibility to financial support should not prevent underprivileged individuals from receiving the mental health care needed. Meanwhile, stigmatization should be replaced with enlightenment on mental health issues.