The Psychiatric Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) is witnessing a sharp increase in mental health cases, recording nearly 15,000 outpatient visits each year.

Health officials say schizophrenia and postpartum depression remain among the most frequently diagnosed conditions at the facility, with a significant number of patients falling within the 25 to 40 age group — considered Ghana’s most economically productive population.

Speaking during the launch of this year’s Purple Month campaign, Acting Head of the unit, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi, expressed concern over the growing pressure on the facility due to inadequate infrastructure and limited resources.

She explained that the unit currently lacks enough space to properly manage the rising number of patients, resulting in delays in treatment and cases where some patients abandon care midway and later return in more critical conditions.

Dr. Owusu Antwi therefore called for the immediate completion of the unit’s expansion project, which she said has remained unfinished nearly five years after work began.

Purple Month is observed to raise awareness about mental health and encourage preventive care. This year’s campaign is themed: “Mental Well-being for All: Turning Awareness into Action.”

According to Dr. Owusu Antwi, addressing the country’s growing mental health burden requires more than public education, stressing the need for stronger investment and practical support systems for mental healthcare delivery.

“The theme talking about changing awareness into action is very important for us. We have seen that largely, people are becoming aware of mental health. This year, we are saying that it is not enough to become aware. Put the awareness into action.

“Take your own mental health seriously as a starting point and then look out for your family members and your colleagues. Do not stigmatise against people who are dealing with mental disorders. Help is available,” she said.