Ghanaian celebrities are dealing with mental illness stigma behind closed doors – why speaking up matters

Celebrity stories show that prayer plays a central role in how celebrities and Ghanaians cope with mental illness.

By: Lyzbeth King, Ohio University and Mary Kiura, Purdue University Fort Wayne, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 12, 2026

Words: 1,046

Last Updated: 2 months, 1 week ago

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By Lyzbeth King, Ohio University and Mary Kiura, Purdue University Fort Wayne

Imagine living in a country where talking openly about depression or anxiety can cost you your job, your reputation, or even your freedom. That is still the reality in Ghana, where mental illness is often explained in spiritual terms, and seeking help can mean being taken to a prayer camp instead of seeing a therapist. Even with global mental health awareness campaigns flooding …

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