To bridge the gap between spirituality and mental health, UK-based NGO Beyond The Ward Foundation organised a virtual seminar on Friday, December 13, 2024.

The virtual event, dubbed titled “Mental Wellbeing and Spirituality: Bridging the Gap,” featured insights from notable speakers, including Angel Furah Senga, the founder of Beyond The Ward; Helena Amoah, Founder and Team Lead of the Get Out Of Depression Foundation (G.O.O.D); Mabel Darko, a Personal Development Advocate; and Caleb Ahinakwah, a Mental Health Journalist with Asaase Radio in Ghana.

The discussion among about 40 attendees from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, United Kingdom and India and others was moderated by Connielove Dzodzegbe.

Angel Furah Senga addressed the stigma surrounding mental health in African and church communities, emphasizing that “mental health struggles are not a sin.”

Drawing on scripture, such as 2 Timothy 1:7, which stresses the value of a sound mind, she underscored the compatibility of faith and mental health advocacy.

“This is my favorite line that I like to tell anybody that I speak to as a mental health nurse as well as a Christian. I want you to know that Jesus Christ Himself is the greatest mental health advocate,” she said.

“There's no way that you as a person, in your career, in your relationship, in your family, in your communities, whatever it is that you find yourself, there's no way that you'll be able to function without a sound mind.”

Ms Senga encouraged participants to seek practical solutions, saying, “Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. Don’t shy away from seeking professional help, exercising, eating well, and creating a safety plan for those overwhelming moments.”

She urged attendees to break free from misconceptions and embrace healing.

• Read also: Free virtual ‘Mental Health and Faith’ seminar set for December 13

G.O.O.D Foundation's Helena Amoah also shared her personal experiences of judgment and some people's lack of understanding within Christian spaces regarding mental health issues.

She stressed the importance of compassion, stating, “A simple smile or a kind word can make a world of difference to someone battling mental health challenges.”

Reflecting on her journey, she encouraged attendees to be more supportive and alert to subtle signs of distress in their loved ones, adding, “Love and understanding should replace condemnation.”

She explained that: “What can we do to help the people that are going through so much? Sometimes it's just in front of us, but we are not we are not even watching. People may be shouting without opening their mouths, their body language, the signs that I said, how can we help them? And that is what I want us to talk about as Christians. One of the things that or even as religious people, all the religions preach love, and one of the ways that we can show love is not to condemn people and make them feel worse of themselves, but help them,” she added.

Mental health journalist, Caleb Ahinakwah described the event as a pivotal moment to explore the intersection of mental health and spirituality.

He highlighted challenges in Ghana, such as limited access to mental health facilities and widespread stigma, while also pointing out misconceptions in religious circles.

“Too often, symptoms of mental illnesses like schizophrenia are mistaken for spiritual encounters,” Mr Ahinakwah noted.

He called for more education and dialogue to address these harmful myths, ensuring individuals receive the right support.

Personal development advocate, Mabel Darko offered practical advice from her personal journey of managing mental health while building her personal brand.

She acknowledged the toll of stress and burnout, especially in a world driven by social media comparisons.

“Your story is your strength,” she said, encouraging participants to embrace their authenticity. She emphasized the importance of balance, stating, “Set boundaries, create a schedule, and prioritize your well-being above all.”

Her words inspired participants to rethink the connection between personal branding and mental health.

The seminar underscored the urgent need to destigmatize mental health issues within religious and African communities. It also reinforced the idea that professional support and spiritual practices can coexist to promote holistic well-being.

Beyond The Ward’s initiative succeeded in bringing together diverse voices to advocate for compassion, understanding, and actionable solutions to addressing mental health challenges.