"We were never taught to talk about it" – Jahara Osman pushes for national mental health awakening

Jahara Osman was a child with many unanswered questions. She felt restless in school and misunderstood at home. Jahara was not disobedient; she was simply different. Like many Ghanaian children, she had undiagnosed conditions. No one gave her the words to understand her mind.

Now, Jahara is the founder of the Premier Rehabilitation Centre. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. Her goal is to help others avoid silent suffering.

Jahara explains, "I grew up where mental health was never discussed." Her parents did not know how to define her behavior or approach to life. This lack of understanding affected all her siblings too.

She finds joy in educating parents about mental health conditions. This includes autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and more. Parents can learn to recognize their child's behavior and clues better than doctors can. Identifying these signs is the first step toward helping their children.

Jahara believes that silence around mental health costs lives and dignity.

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Jahara will host The Mental Health Forum. This nationwide event will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre. It aims to break the silence surrounding mental health issues. The forum will feature panels with doctors, religious leaders, survivors, and wellness professionals. It will also allow everyday Ghanaians to share their experiences.

Jahara urges the government to do more for mental health support. She acknowledges recent improvements like including mental health in National Health Insurance. However, access to psychologists and therapy remains difficult and expensive for many people.

Her advocacy is personal; she was diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Jahara navigated a system that did not understand her needs for years. This experience drives her commitment to support those who feel out of place in society.

"We have a mental health crisis," she states firmly. Specialty hospitals dedicated to mental health show awareness of this issue. However, funding challenges persist across medical facilities.

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, according to Jahara. If someone isn't mentally stable, they may develop other illnesses as well. Focusing on mental stability can help reduce various diseases.

The forum will be free and open to everyone attending it live on JoyNews at noon.

It will also launch a new campaign aimed at bringing mental health education into churches, classrooms, and workplaces across Ghana.

This initiative comes as global mental health issues rise sharply; Ghana faces similar challenges too. From exam stress among teens to burnout among professionals and trauma from abuse survivors—mental health concerns are widespread but access remains limited due to stigma.

Support for Jahara's work comes from various sources: the Ministry of Health, Mental Health Authority, and private foundations focused on youth development and public wellness.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or emotionally stuck, this forum is for you.