In many countries, access to mental health care remains a challenge. In Liberia, where there is only one state-run psychiatric hospital for more than 4 million people, St. Benedict Menni Mental Health Centre has become a haven for women living with mental illness.
In this interview, Ato Kwamena Sagoe, a mental health nurse and programme coordinator at the centre, talks about his vocation, the challenges of social reintegration of patients and how the mission of the Hospitaller Sisters is transforming lives through empathy, rehabilitation and community support.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the Sisters Hospitallers?
My name is Ato Kwamena Sagoe, a mental health nurse, a substance use and addiction specialist. I have been working with SH since March, 2019 as program coordinator. My principal responsibility is to take charge of all the activities of this project.
What motivated you to specialize in mental health and work with people with mental illness?
I have always wanted to become a professional footballer, btw, I’m an ardent supporter of Liverpool football club. After my high school studies, the only available options to enrol in tertiary education was teaching and nursing, . This is something I found interesting but difficult. I decided to take the other alternative which is nursing and being a male, I was limited. I decided to pursue MH nursing due to its specialist. In my first year, the complexity of the brain and how it works made me fall in love even more.
How did your experience in Ghana influence your current work in Monrovia?
I think the foundation of my education was very helpful. It fortified me to face every challenge in this profession. I was fortunate to have my internship in our centre in Dompoase (Ghana) the supervisor I had at the time played an important role which has been beneficial up until today
What makes the St. Benedict Menni Mental Health Centre in Monrovia a special place for recovery?
In Monrovia, there’s only one recognized mental health facility which is owned by the government and renders services to over 4 million Liberians. SH exclusively attend to women and that ensures security and reduces vulnerability of women living with mental illness. The serenity of our compound and the empathy of professionals ensure that care is patient centered.
What are the biggest challenges patients face when reintegrating into the community after discharge?
Stigma, I believe this is a global phenomenon. In the continent where we live, we’re preoccupied with the believe that there’s a form of spirituality attached to mental illness. Persons who suffer this illness are seen as outcast, different and excluded from society. This distorts the zeal to comply with treatment and makes them shy away and end up relapsing. The stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent people from seeking help. We need to create a culture that encourages openness, understanding, and support for mental health.
Can you share any significant experiences you remember?
“The empowerment and business mentoring program” which is currently running in our centre. that ensures that patients are enrolled into a business or have job as part of their rehabilitation. With an internal research conducted, we realized that patient who have a job reduces their rate of relapse to 25%.
How do you feel your work contributes to the mission of the Sisters Hospitallers?
Working with persons living with various forms of mental disorders require empathy, compassion, and commitment. These I believe align with the values of the congregation.
What role do families, and the community play in the recovery process of patients?
Families and communities play a vital role by providing emotional, practical and social support. Families who understand the concept of this illness prioritizing that it requires long term treatment help patients reminding them to take medications, attend doctor’s appointments, and monitor their condition. Community-based support groups can offer a safe space for patients to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.
What myths about mental illness in Liberia or Ghana do you hope to dispel through your work?
Some view mental disorders as divine punishment for sins or immoral behaviour, leading to stigma and rejection instead of support and treatment. There are others who perceive that every mentally ill person is aggressive. People who suffer from depression, anxiety may not have the energy let alone manifest any form of aggression. This myth leads to unnecessary fear and discrimination. Many people believe that once someone develops a mental illness, they are beyond help. In reality, with proper medical care, therapy, and support, people can manage their conditions and live fulfilling lives.
What advice would you give to anyone considering working or volunteering at the centre?
If you want to see the best improvising minds, come to Africa. With limited knowledge, lack of amenities, financial and technical support for mental health services (mention gap in MH professionals) we continue to provide holistic care regardless. I have been opportune to have a clinical experience in Spain where I rotated at various units of the SH centers in Mondragon, Madrid and Ciempozuelos. It was a completely different experience. Here we do not have so many logistics or professionals to augment the care we provide yet we find a way to it diligently
What do you wish more people knew about mental health and its importance?
I wish more people knew that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that it’s essential to prioritize it. Everyone has mental health, just like everyone has physical health. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing. It’s a medical condition that requires treatment, just like diabetes or heart disease.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our audience about your experience or the mission of the Sisters Hospitallers?
While traditional and spiritual healers play a significant role in many African communities, mental health conditions often require medical intervention, including therapy and medication. A combination of approaches may be beneficial, but ignoring medical science can be harmful.