SALLY TORPEY speaks on Mental Health Awareness + tells us more about DR. SPIRIT’s coming to Ghana for the “TALK2 SPIRIT” Experience

When SALLY TORPEY, the woman behind AFRICAN WOMAN REINVENTED said, “we are thrilled to announce that renowned DR. SPIRIT, one of Atlanta’s finest, popularly known as a celebrity therapist for ‘Love Goals’ on Oprah Winfrey Network OWN, will be in Ghana for a familiarization visit with a team of Social Consultants, Documentations and Mental Health experts and NGOs.” She truly meant it as the day is nearly upon the beautiful people of Ghana, as one of the world’s leading experienced licensed therapist in the field of mental health, touches down this week to share valuable insights and wisdom regarding MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS.

So we caught up with SALLY to throw more light on the whole visitation by DR. SPIRIT, what the public should know and be ready for in this month which is dedicated to the awareness worldwide. We also asked her what participants stand to benefit from the experience of creating a supportive community that prioritizes mental well-being and embraces personal growth.

Here we go…

…THANK YOU FOR TALKING TO US ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – LET’S START BY ASKING YOU, WHAT DOES THIS MONTH MEAN TO YOU, YOUR PARTNERS OUT THERE?

Mental Health is a part of health care that needs dedication and awareness. To me it means giving equal attention to our mental (brain function) as we give to other parts of our bodies. Whether they are well or not and get help if need be. It’s all about advocacy and awareness.

THE MONTH OF MAY EVERY YEAR IS DEDICATED TO THE AWARENESS, WOULD YOU SAY THAT GHANA AS A NATION HAS TAKEN THIS AWARENESS SERIOUSLY?

Well a lot has been done but a lot more has to be done; if I may put it like that. With new reforms there is work to be done. So we at African Woman Reinvented are committed to adding our voices to create the awareness and advocate. To throw more light on the importance of being aware of our mental health wellness as Ghanaians. And asking the professional to make available information for the general public and offer assistances to those who need help. Also to call on the Government to support the promotion of this subject matter.

WE HAVE ASKED AROUND FROM PEOPLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY THINK AND EVEN IF THEY ARE AWARE; THE FEEDBACK WE GOT DIDN’T IMPRESS US THAT MUCH – DO YOU THINK THAT THE MEDIA IN GHANA AREN’T DOING ENOUGH TO PROPAGATE THE AWARENESS?

In recent times I think it’s just the word ‘Mental Health’ which translates to a lay person as “Madness”, while people with mental challenges are not on the street only. They are in offices, homes; they are people who we love, friends, family, colleagues, etc. Unfortunately some may be having anxiety issues; some may have bipolar and other forms of mental challenges. A lot of people are stigmatized and we don’t understand details of this health condition. We have to show concern and support people to heal or manage their health concerns. And the media has to support in bringing understanding to people about this subject matter. Media can do so much beyond what they are doing currently.

IN OTHER DEVELOPED COUNTRIES OUTSIDE GHANA, THIS MONTH IS OBSERVED WITH MEDIA, LOCAL EVENTS, AND FILM SCREENINGS – WHY DON’T WE SEE SUCH FEATS IN HERE?

Yes we don’t see that here because it’s more of the same stigmatization of the ‘you are mad’ into bracket and there are not much people that you know are talking about the topical issues of mental health and its awareness; so I think this is the time to actually zoom in and say mental health challenges are real health situations – let’s together understand that it’s up to the level from corporate to the school-going child…everyone needs therapy.

THE STIGMA SURROUNDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEEPLY TALK ABOUT – HOW CAN WE AS A PEOPLE BE EDUCATED ON IT?

Yes so like I said before, the stigmatization is making it difficult to communicate behavioral changes you know that are regarding to mental health challenges in about 80 people; so this is exactly where the advocacy part of what ‘Africa Women Reinvented’ is doing with our partners at ‘Talk2Spirit’ – to bring the awareness to the people. The education, clarion call must start from individuals one at a time, and then we can capture a community and spread more education.

This education revolves round so many things including advises, elevation, letting people going through this know that it is okay to talk about mental health and its challenges, it is okay for people to go to the hospital and express themselves as they’d do for diabetes or hypertension.

YOUR AFRICAN WOMAN REINVENTED IS PUTTING TOGETHER THE ‘TALK 2 SPIRIT’ SOIREE WHERE THE MEDIA, INVITED GUESTS WOULD HAVE THE ABSOLUTE TIME TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH DR. SPIRIT FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – GIVE US MORE INSIGHT INTO WHAT WE EXPECT THE EVENING TO BE LIKE?

 We expect the evening to be an extraordinary one, one that will leave everyone glad that they did come out to ‘TALK2Spirit’. The date is May 30th, 2023, from 5:00 PM, at the Accra City Hotel, Ghana. Registration is absolutely FREE via: https://egotickets.com/events/talk2spirit-dr-spirit-live-in-ghana

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE DR. SPIRIT AS THE PERSONALITY TO SHARE INSIGHT ON MENTAL HEALTH WELLNESS?

It had to be DR. SPIRIT any day because she is a licensed therapist, a clinical psychologist, a well vested and knowledgeable in matters when it comes to mental health, plus she’s been doing this for years, I mean she is not just only on Oprah Winfrey’s channel, she’s done a lot of work in the United States; and even more so the reason why we need an expect from the diaspora to share insights with us on understanding what the rudiments of mental health awareness are and technical approaches to engage our society in big conversations.

FROM THIS ‘TALK2SPIRIT’ EVENING WITH THE MEDIA ON THE 30TH OF MAY, 2023, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE PEOPLE OF GHANA TO KNOW AND COME TO TERMS WITH?

The people of Ghana should understand that the issue of mental health is a serious matter and must not be taken for granted. This gathering is one that promises to open our eyes, hearts to so many things. It promises to be a fruitful one.

WOULD THERE BE FOLLOW-UPS ON PEOPLE WITH SUCH ISSUES AFTER THE MEETING? 

Yes, that’s why participants have been asked to register via the provided section in the details that have been made public; this is to help us to get back to the people after the get-together.

 

Follow them on Instagram @africanwomanreinvented and @sallytorpey for updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the event. 

 Don’t forget to tag them and use the hashtag #Talk2SpiritLiveInGhana to join the conversation!

 Together, let’s prioritize MENTAL HEALTH and create a brighter future for ourselves and our communities. 

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 @africanwomanreinvented 

@talk2Spirit 

@sallytorpey