DeJoy Healthy Life Consult has rounded off a five-day clinical screening exercise at the Ramseyer Training Centre, Abetifi, bringing together more than 100 trainees and members of faculty for a detailed look at their emotional and psychological wellbeing.
The team, led by Dr. Dora Awuah, approached the assessment with evidence-based practice, aiming to understand the mental health landscape of students and faculty and offer support where needed. Over the period, the clinicians engaged trainees and staff through preventive, promotive and therapeutic interventions, taking time to listen, observe and analyse unspoken personal and ministerial formation issues.
Their aim was simple but crucial: to identify potential mental health concerns early, detect signs of emotional strain, assess risks, and provide recommendations that would help institutionalise mental health support at RTC and potential ministers of the church.
By the end of the screening, 127 individuals had been assessed; 110 trainees and 17 staff. The results painted an encouraging picture. A significant majority showed no symptoms of depression, and anxiety levels across the cohort were minimal.
Resilience scores were particularly strong, with more than two-thirds of participants demonstrating exceptional ability to withstand pressure and adapt to challenges. Personality functioning was also largely healthy, with almost all participants falling within normal ranges.
Yet beneath these positive indicators, the team noted subtle warning signs that deserve attention. No participant presented with full-blown mental health disorders, and the few diagnoses identified did not meet the full criteria for clinical mental illness.
The clinicians, however, observed patterns that could, over time, develop into deeper concerns if left unattended. Poor stress management, inadequate rest, limited selfcare and the pressure of continuous activity were common threads running through many of the conversations and assessments.
Dr. Awuah emphasised that while the cohort is generally resilient, resilience alone cannot replace intentional rest and emotional maintenance. The screening also revealed that social desirability, the tendency to give answers that appear favourable, may have influenced some responses, a reminder that mental health assessments in faith-based settings require careful interpretation.
The team was, however, able to provide brief interventions to many participants during the screening period, ensuring that support began immediately.
By Jerome Otchere
