Mental Health in Africa: A Silent Epidemic Affecting Our Churches
Depression is one of the most pressing public health crises in Africa, affecting an estimated 100 million people, with 66 million of them being women. Many of these individuals are active members of churches, yet they remain silent about their struggles due to stigma, fear, and misconceptions surrounding mental illness. The purpose of the existence of AMHFA is to reduce the numbers of people affected by depression, through mental health (depression) awareness,education, prevention and management of it and selfcare. AMHFA is not clinical. It is for everyone in the community, who needs to support breaking the stigma of mental ill health, thus normalising talk on mental health. It shouldnt be a taboo subject as it has been for a long time
In both rural and urban churches, mental health is rarely spoken about, and when it is, it is often misunderstood. Instead of being treated as a real condition—like any other medical illness—it is frequently labeled as:
❌ A generational curse
❌ A demonic attack
❌ A sign of spiritual weakness
As a result, millions of people in our churches are suffering in silence, afraid of being judged, blamed, or excluded. Many turn to deliverance ministries because mental illness is seen as a spiritual battle rather than a health issue. While spiritual support is important, it is not a substitute for knowledge, self-care, and resilience-building skills.
AMHFA is NOT in Competition with the Church—It is About Empowering and Equipping People
African Mental Health First Aid (AMHFA) is not here to challenge faith, replace spiritual beliefs, or teach counseling skills. It is a practical, accessible approach for EVERYONE—not just professionals or counselors. We are teaching people to “fish” rather than keeping them dependent on others for their healing.
By integrating AMHFA, both rural and urban churches can:
✅ Break the stigma and fear around mental health so people feel safe to seek help.
✅ Teach mental wellness, self-care, and community support—equipping people with everyday tools to maintain their mental well-being.
✅ Empower church leaders and congregants to recognize signs of distress early and offer support without judgment.
✅ Shift from dependency on leadership to self-empowerment—helping people take charge of their mental health the same way they would with physical health.
We must normalize mental health the same way we talk about physical health. If someone breaks a leg, we don’t tell them to pray it away—we encourage them to get medical care. The same should apply to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
It’s Time to Break the Stigma—Mental Wellness is for Everyone
For too long, mental illness has been treated as a mystery, a spiritual failure, or a punishment. This must change. The church must take the lead in breaking the silence, reducing fear, and providing real support. This is because the Church is in a postion to.
AMHFA is for everyone—regardless of background, education, or role in the church. It is not about training counselors—it is about equipping communities with mental health resilience and self help skills, so that they can help themselves and support one another.
By embracing AMHFA, churches can play a pivotal role in reducing the prevalence of depression, improving mental wellness, and strengthening individuals and families in both urban and rural areas.
Conclusion: The Church as a Place of Healing, Not Fear
The goal of African Mental Health First Aid is simple: to equip, educate, and empower the church to become a safe place where people can heal—not a place where they fear judgment, stigma, or isolation.
This is the beginning of a journey where churches take the lead in saying:
🔹 Mental health matters—for both rural and urban communities.
🔹 Mental illness is not a mystery—it is real, treatable and okay to talk about it.
🔹 Seeking help is not weakness—it is wisdom.
🔹 AMHFA is about empowering the communities on mental health awareness in so doing breaking the stigma of mental ill health which is a human rights issue in Africa due to the treatment of any kind of mental disorder. It is not about replacing any roles and responsibilities of the Church.
