Mental Health Is No Longer A Silent Crisis – Dr. Christiana Owiredua Kwofie Tells Church
Joseph Attoh 
Mental health is no longer a hidden issue confined to hospitals and counselling rooms—it has become a pressing reality affecting families, schools, workplaces and churches, Dr. Mrs. Christiana Owiredua Kwofie has said.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the Pentecost Conference 2026 in Oberhausen, Germany, the mental health expert called on the Church to give greater attention to mental well-being, stressing that the growing crisis demands compassion, awareness and intentional action.
She observed that discussions around mental health often encounter resistance within Christian circles, with many people questioning whether it should be openly addressed in the Church. However, she argued that the scale of the challenge makes such conversations both necessary and urgent.
“The silent crisis is no longer silent,” she declared. “Today, we live with mental health challenges in our homes, in our schools, in our workplaces, in our churches—everywhere you go.”
To illustrate the magnitude of the problem, Dr. Kwofie cited the latest global data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, published in 2026, which indicates that approximately 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with a diagnosed mental health disorder in 2023.
According to her, this means that one out of every seven people globally is living with a diagnosed mental health condition—representing a staggering 95.5 per cent increase over the past three decades.
She further noted that mental health disorders now account for more than 17 per cent of all years lived with disability worldwide, making them one of the leading causes of reduced quality of life.
Dr. Kwofie explained that anxiety and depression continue to dominate the global mental health landscape. Among hundreds of diseases and injuries studied across more than 200 countries, anxiety ranks among the leading health conditions, while anxiety and depression together top the list when measured by years lived with disability.
She also highlighted other common mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance-related addictions, noting that many individuals turn to addictive behaviours in an attempt to numb emotional pain.
Particularly concerning, she said, is the growing impact of mental health disorders among young people.
The highest prevalence, she explained, is found among those between the ages of 10 and 24, with anxiety and depression remaining the most common conditions. Women, she added, are disproportionately affected by both disorders.
Dr. Kwofie urged the Church to recognise the growing mental health burden and continue creating safe spaces where conversations about emotional and psychological well-being can take place alongside spiritual care.
Her presentation formed part of a panel discussion exploring contemporary issues facing society and the Church during the Pentecost Conference 2026.
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About The Author
Joseph Otsibah 
