Nanabanyin’s Story
This story contains content that may be distressing for some readers, as it deals with the sensitive topic of suicide. We urge discretion and caution for those who may be triggered or find such discussions emotionally challenging.
Hello, everyone. My name is Nanabanyin Anamuah Mensah, Founder and Executive Director of TrueCompanion in Ghana. TrueCompanion is here to improve access and inclusion in mental health interventions and to build collective community resilience. We do this by promoting opportunities to support, connect and nurture youth in climate change and mental health by lobbying, mentoring, networking and developing capacities of youth to lead community-led, sustainable solutions. We also provide free psychotherapy for youth going through mental health challenges by building the capacities of our volunteers with lived mental health experiences to lead these interventions for us.
My journey through mental health started on the echoes of neglect. I grew up in a home where silence was louder than words because I didn't have that kind of parental support. I questioned whether I had done something wrong to my parents or if I deserved the kind of neglect that they gave me. This lack of support cast a long shadow of isolation and had an impact on my formative years.
But in 2019, life took a turn on me. In the space of five months, I lost my job, I had to go through a painful divorce, and then I lost both parents as well. I felt like I had done something wrong in life. And so through these thoughts, I decided to end it all. I contemplated and attempted suicide on multiple occasions. But through this chaos and despair, I wanted to find balance in life, and I stumbled upon mindfulness meditation.
My journey with mindfulness practices became essential because it offered a space for me to assess my thoughts without judgment and to make conscious decisions that affected my well-being. It became a journey to my wellness. So when we started HajjVibe, which is now TrueCompanion, the goal was to provide support and create brave and safe spaces for youth like me to talk about their mental health and to seek support.
Community Social Support Group - Ghana
Where I grew up from it is seen as a weakness for a man to share his vulnerability. And so, being a guy that's going through that, I felt like I'm going to be a good example and role model for them to talk about their mental health. It's been a revelation for me because now we can connect with the youth who can talk about their mental health and feel that it can also give support to other people. They use their experiences to serve as a platform of encouragement and support for other people.
“The opportunities of growth, networking, collaboration and partnership that the Action Network offers have been critical in our growth and in our development. ”
The Global Mental Health Action Network (the Action Network) has been life-changing for us. Sincerely, over the past year, our collaborations, our support, our partnership has come as a result of us being a member of the Action Network. The opportunities of growth, networking, collaboration and partnership that the Action Network offers have been critical in our growth and in our development. Now, we feel that the knowledge that is being shared can make result-based advocacy. We are also able to make, um, impact-oriented interventions in our communities. And we've learned a lot, a lot of lessons being a member of the Action Network.
Actually, there are opportunities for capacity building and development that we feel that it has been as a result of you being active members of the Action Network. I would encourage everyone in the mental health space to make an effort to join Circle because that is where the real deal goes on.
You're able to see people who are making real-time impact, connect with them, seek advice and support and guidance. And these are, these things come free, you know, you don't pay for them. Just being a member can offer you that opportunity for you to learn from people, ask questions, and build a community of practice where you're able to engage duty bearers in your own communities to make a bigger and bigger impact.
If you would like to share your story with the Action Network we invite you to complete the form on this page.
