Mental health challenges remain one of the most pressing yet overlooked public health concerns in Ghana. Despite growing awareness, many people still hesitate to seek professional support due to stigma, misconceptions, and fear of being labelled as mentally ill.
Stress, unemployment, financial hardship, and social pressure continue to fuel anxiety and depression among many Ghanaians. However, a mental health expert is drawing attention to another contributor that is often ignored in public discourse — infidelity-related relationship stress.
Speaking during a TikTok Live session, mental health advocate Mr. Sampson Opoku Agyemang, popularly known as Sampson (Pope), emphasized that protecting one’s mental wellbeing requires eliminating avoidable stress triggers. According to him, any situation that introduces persistent anxiety, financial strain, or emotional pressure must be addressed — including maintaining “side-chick” relationships.
“When it comes to mental health, anything that introduces depression, stress, and anxiety must be removed,” he stated. He explained that some men experience significant pressure due to the financial and emotional demands associated with such relationships. He encouraged men to focus on their long-term goals and aspirations, noting that financial discipline and commitment to one partner can help reduce avoidable stress. He also advised couples to create supportive home environments and work together to minimize tension and emotional strain within the family.
The issue, however, has sparked mixed reactions.
Captain (not his real name), a media practitioner in the Elmina, disagreed with the expert’s position. He argued that side relationships do not inherently contribute to mental health challenges and may even serve as stress relievers for some men. According to him, the impact depends on the nature of the relationship.
“It depends on who the side-chick is and how the relationship started. If it is based on money and high demands, then you will be stressed,” he said.
On the other hand, Kweku, a trader in Cape Coast, supported the expert’s view. He believes that expectations on both sides — financial and emotional — can escalate quickly, creating anxiety and tension for those involved.
“The purpose may be different for both people, but once demands increase, stress follows,” he noted.
Paa Kojo (not his real name), a fisherman in Cape Coast, also shared a personal experience that aligns with the mental health advocate’s warning. He admitted that he sometimes switches off his phone to avoid calls from his side partner. With declining fish catches and increasing economic hardship in the fishing industry, he says meeting the needs of his wife, children, and an additional partner becomes overwhelming.
“In times like this, your focus must be on your immediate family,” he stated.
Mental health professionals continue to emphasize that emotional stability, financial responsibility, and healthy relationships are key protective factors against depression and anxiety. As conversations around mental health grow louder, experts stress the importance of addressing lifestyle choices that may contribute to unnecessary stress.
Ultimately, the debate highlights a broader issue: safeguarding mental health requires honest self-reflection, responsible decision-making, and the courage to remove avoidable sources of pressure.
While the debate continues, seeking professional support during periods of depression, prolonged stress, or emotional distress remains essential to safeguarding one’s mental wellbeing.
