Depression is a growing public health concern in Ghana, and its impact is especially profound among women. From hormonal changes and gender-based violence to economic hardship and cultural expectations, women in Ghana face unique and compounding challenges that increase their risk of developing depression. Despite its prevalence, depression among women is still underreported, misunderstood, and frequently stigmatized.
Globally, women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021), and the situation in Ghana reflects this trend. According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), depression is one of the most common mental health disorders among women in both rural and urban communities (GHS, 2020). Factors such as poverty, maternal responsibilities, societal pressure, and limited access to reproductive and mental health care contribute significantly to this disparity.
One key group affected by depression in Ghana is postpartum women. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition that affects new mothers, yet it is often dismissed as mere mood swings or “baby blues.” A study conducted in Accra found that 12.5% of postpartum women experienced symptoms consistent with clinical depression, yet very few received professional support (Weobong et al., 2014). Many women fear being judged as unfit mothers if they disclose their feelings, and as a result, they suffer in silence.
In addition, gender-based violence remains a serious contributor to poor mental health among Ghanaian women. Intimate partner violence (IPV), which affects nearly one in three women in Ghana (GSS, 2016), has been strongly linked to depressive symptoms. Women exposed to physical, emotional, or sexual violence often exhibit higher rates of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but cultural taboos and economic dependency often prevent them from seeking help.
Economic hardship is another factor. Many Ghanaian women are the primary caregivers for their families but lack the financial means to access quality healthcare, including mental health services. The cost of therapy, the scarcity of female mental health professionals, and the concentration of services in urban areas leave many women without options.
Tackling depression among women in Ghana requires a multi-pronged approach. First, we must intensify awareness campaigns to educate the public on the signs and symptoms of depression. Community health workers should be trained to screen for depression, especially among pregnant and postpartum women. Policies that improve women’s access to affordable healthcare, protect them from violence, and provide economic opportunities will also go a long way in reducing mental health vulnerabilities.
Above all, it is vital to create safe spaces where women can speak openly about their mental health struggles without fear or judgment. Depression is not a weakness; it is a health condition that can be managed with timely support, empathy, and care. With the right interventions, Ghana can begin to close the mental health gap and ensure that women are not left behind in the conversation on mental wellness.
References
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Ghana Health Service (GHS). (2020). Annual Report 2020. Retrieved from https://www.ghs.gov.gh
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Ghana Statistical Service (GSS). (2016). Ghana Demographic and Health Survey 2014. Retrieved from https://dhsprogram.com
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Weobong, B., Ten Asbroek, A.H.A., Soremekun, S., et al. (2014). Determinants of postnatal depression in Ghana: findings from the Newhints cluster-randomised controlled trial. PLoS One, 9(3), e91478. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0091478
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World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Depression: Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression