Mental health literacy among young people in Africa: A keystone for social development

Abstract

Mental health literacy plays a vital role in addressing mental health challenges among young people in Africa. This paper examines the present state of mental health literacy among African youth, identifies key barriers to its enhancement, and proposes strategies for improvement. Mental health literacy, defined as the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders that aid in their recognition, management, and prevention, is particularly crucial for young people as it facilitates early recognition of mental health difficulties and promotes help-seeking behaviors. The paper indicates that Africa faces significant challenges, including limited mental health professionals, inadequate support for common mental disorders, and insufficient tailored interventions for youth. The paper concludes that addressing mental health literacy among African youth requires a collaborative approach involving policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders.

Keywords

Young people / Mental health / Mental health literacy / Africa / Development

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

References

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