Y’all Need Therapy: But Let’s Not Pretend Like We Don’t Know

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

If I’m being honest, some of you need therapy more than Ghana needs electricity. Yes, I said it. Don’t fight me, fight ECG. But seriously, have you ever sat on a trotro, overheard someone’s phone conversation, and thought, “This person should be lying on a therapist’s couch somewhere”? If you haven’t, you’re probably the one we’re all worried about.

Why Therapy Isn’t “By Force,” But Maybe It Should Be

In Ghana, when someone says, “Massa, you need help,” it’s often not a compliment. We’re quick to prescribe baking soda and lime for smelly armpits, but when it comes to matters of the mind, we’d rather rub Aboniki balm on our foreheads and sleep it off. Therapy? That’s for “obroni” people who have time to cry about their feelings, right?

Wrong!

Let’s be real, how many times have we swallowed our stress and told ourselves, “Ɛbɛyɛ yie” (It will be well)? Yes, hope is good, but hope can’t fix generational trauma. Some of us are walking around carrying the weight of our ancestors’ unpaid bride prices, family curses, and every heartbreak since SHS. Please, talk to someone.

The Funny Things We Normalize

You’ll see Kofi posting motivational quotes like, “Pain is temporary, but pride is forever.” Meanwhile, Kofi hasn’t processed his breakup from 2014. Abena says, “I don’t need anyone,” yet she’s typing “Hi” and deleting it every time her ex comes online.

Let’s not forget the uncles who shout, “Boys don’t cry,” yet their blood pressure is higher than Accra rent.

And don’t get me started on church. Ghanaians can shout, “Fire burn bad dreams!” but when you suggest therapy, they’ll rebuke you in tongues. Listen, I’m not saying prayer doesn’t work, I’ve seen God move mountains but sometimes, God is telling you to call a therapist. Don’t ignore the divine direction.

African Parents and Therapy

Try telling your Ghanaian mother you need therapy. She’ll look at you like you said Kenkey is from Nigeria. “Therapy for what? Are you not eating? Don’t you have a roof over your head?” They’ll even remind you how they walked barefoot to school and survived wars you weren’t born to see. Classic guilt trip.

But here’s the thing: African parents need therapy too. Some of their rules? Pure trauma in disguise. Like the one that says you can’t sit in the living room when visitors come. Why? Is the sofa allergic to me?

Making It Normal, One Step at a Time

The good news is, therapy is slowly catching on. Some Ghanaians are actually booking sessions not because they’re “mad,” but because they want to heal, grow, and stop crying every time an Adele or Sam Smith song reminds them of their ex.

If you’re not ready for therapy, start small. Call that one friend who knows how to listen (not the one who’ll spread your gist at the next wedding). Journal your thoughts, even if it’s just to rant about how your sakawa neighbor’s music is louder than your peace of mind.

When You Finally Go to Therapy

Imagine this: you’ve braved the odds, saved your coins, and booked a therapy session. You sit down and the therapist says, “So, why are you here?” Suddenly, your Ghanaian instincts kick in:

“Hmm, I don’t even know where to start.”

“It’s not like I’m mad, oh.”

“It’s just that, sometimes, life is…you know…hard.”

But that’s okay! Starting is the hardest part. Soon, you’ll be spilling all your secrets like the time you told your boss you were stuck in traffic, but really, you were at home eating Banku.

Y’all Need Therapy And It’s Okay

At the end of the day, therapy isn’t about fixing broken people, it’s about helping you navigate this thing called life. And trust me, life in Ghana needs all the navigation tools we can get.

Therapy isn’t just for heartbreak or stress; it’s for figuring out why you want to strangle someone every time they call you “Bossu” but refuse to pay back your money. Or why you still feel guilty about eating that meat pie your younger sibling was saving in 2003.

So go ahead, and schedule that session. Because the truth is, while you’re out there telling people to “stay strong,” your mental health deserves more than Gob3.

And if anyone tells you therapy is for “mad people,” tell them, “Yes, and we’re all mad in this country anyway. So what’s your point?”

DND: Do Not Disturb!

Author: Mawutor Akosua Ametame

DND: Navigating the Silence in a Noisy World

In a world that never seems to quiet down, the concept of “Do Not Disturb” (DND) holds a special significance: a moment of respite amidst the constant clamor of everyday life. Let’s explore the multifaceted nature of DND and the profound truths it reveals about our need for solitude, sanctuary, and self-care.

Seeking Solitude in a Noisy World

Finding moments of peace and quiet can feel like a rare and valuable gift in a world full of noise, whether it be from the constant buzz of notifications, the clamor of traffic, or the unending chatter of social media. DND provides a quiet haven where we can withdraw, refuel, and reaffirm our connection to ourselves.

Setting Boundaries in a Hyperconnected Age

In an era of constant connectivity, the boundaries between work and leisure, day and night, can become blurred. DND serves as a reminder that we are not beholden to the demands of others 24/7 that it’s okay to carve out time for ourselves, free from the interruptions and distractions that so often define modern life.

Prioritizing Self-Care in a Culture of Hustle

In a culture that celebrates constant activity and productivity, setting boundaries and focusing on self-care can feel groundbreaking. Using DND is a way of affirming our self-worth. It is a statement that our time and energy are important, and we deserve to prioritize our well-being above everything else.

Embracing the Silence, Embracing Ourselves

In the silence of DND, we have an opportunity to turn inward, to listen to the whispers of our own thoughts and feelings. It’s a chance to reconnect with our true selves, away from the distractions and expectations of the outside world. In embracing the silence, we embrace ourselves (flaws, vulnerabilities, and all).

Finding Peace in Silence

In a world that never stops talking, DND gives us a moment of quiet, a chance to pause, breathe, and just be. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos and noise of daily life, there is beauty in silence and strength in stillness. So, the next time you turn on DND, remember you’re not just silencing your notifications you’re reclaiming your time, your space, and your right to peace.