Professional counsellors and mental health advocates have emphasised the importance of early emotional support through psychological first aid, in commemoration of this year's World Mental Health Day, and ahead of Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors’ (GNACC) annual conference in Kumasi this November.

World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10, is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

This year’s celebration is on the theme, “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”.

Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning show, Mr Kingsley Eyram King-Kuadzi, Vice President of GNACC, shared a practical approach to supporting individuals in distress using what he called the “Three Ls”: Look, Listen, Link.

“With psychological first aid, we can handle it with the three Ls,” Mr King-Kuadzi explained. “First, you look observe the person carefully, study their behaviour, and try to understand what they are going through. Then you listen, give them space to express themselves, and respond with non-verbal cues that show empathy and understanding. Finally, you don’t assume everything is fine just because the person appears calm. Sometimes people withdraw, and we mistakenly take that as a sign of healing. Keep observing and be ready to connect them to further help if needed.”

His comments were echoed by Ms Gillian Enyonam Takpor-Kuma, Deputy Secretary of GNACC, who stressed the need for patience and presence when supporting someone in emotional pain.

“There are many warning signs to look out for; physical, emotional, and social,” she said. “People want to be heard. Don’t pity them or interrupt. Just let them speak. Anyone offering psychological first aid must be a good listener.”

Ms Kuma warned that offering unsolicited advice can often do more harm than good.

“When someone is in pain, they need to be listened to, not judged or rushed. Advice, especially when given too quickly, can seem dismissive and cause them to shut down. Sit calmly, listen with empathy, and be patient throughout the healing process,” she added.

The Ghana National Association of Certificated Counsellors (GNACC) will hold its Annual General Meeting and International Conference from 20th to 23rd November in Kumasi.

Now marking its eighth anniversary, GNACC comprises over 700 licensed counsellors, with members operating across all 16 regions of Ghana.