In celebration of Mental Health Day 2023, the Tema Metro Health Directorate partnered with the Yah-Salem Foundation to educate students at the Tema Methodist Day Senior High School (MEDASS) about mental health and encouraged them to raise awareness among their peers and families.

Mr. Pious Tay, Mental Health Coordinator for the Tema Metro Health Directorate, emphasized the importance of mental health as the outward manifestation of sound interpersonal and intrapersonal interaction with environmental implications.

He encouraged students to express joy in times of happiness and acknowledge sadness in unpleasant situations, highlighting that these behaviors contribute to good mental health.

The collaboration aimed to equip students with basic knowledge of mental health, emphasizing the significance of positive self-image and self-acceptance.

Mr. Tay encouraged students to engage with their peers and converse among groups as a sign of good mental health.

He also advised students to maintain clean and serene environments and to discourage stigmatization among themselves.

Mr. Williams Okanta, the Senior House Master, praised the educational engagement and called on the Tema Metro Health Directorate to periodically address students on health-related issues.

A student, Mr. Prince Atsu Dortumor, emphasized the impact of drugs and negative company on mental well-being, urging his fellow students to prioritize their mental health for academic success.

He also called on health stakeholders to engage students in activities that enhance their physical and mental well-being.

Mrs. Mary Adu Sarfo, co-founder of the Yah-Salem Foundation, which focuses on child rights protection, emphasized the importance of creating awareness and educating children about their mental well-being.

The foundation collaborates with the Tema-Metro Health Directorate to raise awareness and educate students about their mental health and its role in academic performance.