In Sub-Saharan Africa, older people may face unique mental health challenges, including:

1. Depression

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily life
• May appear as tiredness, poor appetite, or body pains

2. Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)

• Memory loss
• Confusion about time or place
• Difficulty with everyday tasks

3. Anxiety

• Constant worry or fear
• May lead to poor sleep, restlessness, or fast heartbeat

4. Grief and Loneliness

• Loss of a spouse, friends, or family
• Isolation due to illness or disability

5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Emotional or physical distress when reminded of the trauma

• Stigma: Mental illness is often misunderstood or seen as spiritual
• Lack of services: Few mental health professionals or facilities
• Low awareness: Symptoms are often seen as part of “normal ageing”
• Poverty and displacement can increase emotional stressLimited Integration of mental health into Primary Care services.

• Withdraws from family or social life
• Talks about feeling worthless or hopeless
• Unusual forgetfulness or confusion
• Changes in appetite or sleep
• Becomes irritable, aggressive, or very quiet
• Talks about death or wanting to die
• Unintended weight loss, weakness or lack of energy.

At Home:

• Spend time talking and listening to elderly relatives
• Encourage regular routines (eating, walking, socializing)
• Support involvement in community or religious activities
• Reduce stress and avoid shouting or neglect

At Clinics:

• Ask about mood, sleep, and thoughts at checkups
• Use simple screening tools (e.g., Geriatric Depression Scale)
• Refer to trained mental health workers if needed
• Treat any underlying medical problems (e.g., stroke, pain, infections)

• Encourage exercise, even light walking
• Maintain a nutritious diet
• Create safe and respectful living environments
• Offer spiritual or community support
• Ensure access to basic care and medications.

• Speak kindly and avoid blaming or shaming
• Visit regularly—even short visits matter
• Include elders in family decisions
• Encourage them to share their stories and knowledge
• Help them get to clinics or hospitals when needed

✅ Mental illness is not a curse or weakness. It is a health condition that can be treated. Older adults deserve care, love, and respect for their emotional well-being.