Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital -Gambia

24/01/2026

Educating People on Their Mental Health
1. What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is about how we think, feel, and behave. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and cope with daily life. Good mental health does not mean the absence of problems—it means being able to manage them in healthy ways.

2. Common Mental Health Conditions
People should be aware of common conditions such as:

Depression – persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue

Anxiety disorders – excessive worry, fear, restlessness

Psychosis/Schizophrenia – hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking

Substance use disorders

Stress-related conditions

Emphasize that mental illness is treatable, especially when help is sought early.

3. Signs of Good and Poor Mental Health
Warning signs may include:

Withdrawal from family and friends

Changes in sleep or appetite

Persistent sadness or irritability

Poor concentration

Talking about hopelessness or death

Early recognition saves lives.

4. Reducing Stigma
Key messages:

Mental illness is not a curse or weakness

Anyone can experience mental health problems

Seeking help is a sign of strength

People with mental illness deserve respect and support

5. Self-Care and Mental Well-Being
Teach simple, realistic strategies:

Adequate sleep and rest

Healthy eating

Physical activity

Talking to someone you trust

Stress management (relaxation, prayer, breathing exercises)

Avoiding alcohol and drug misuse

6. When and Where to Seek Help
People should seek help when symptoms:

Last more than two weeks

Interfere with daily activities

Involve self-harm or aggression

Provide clear referral points:

Health facilities

Mental health units

Community health workers

Trusted religious or community leaders (with referral links)

7. How to Deliver Mental Health Education
Effective methods include:

Community sensitization talks

Radio programs in local languages

School health talks

Workplace awareness sessions

Posters and flyers

10/10/2025

currently happening at Mccarthy arch Square. March pass in celebration of world mental health 2025

10/10/2025

World Mental Health Day 2025 is celebrated under the theme “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies."” This theme highlights the urgent need to ensure that mental health care and psychosocial support are available and accessible to everyone affected by crises, such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflicts.

During emergencies, people often experience trauma, grief, and anxiety that can have long-lasting psychological effects. Yet, mental health services are frequently overlooked in humanitarian responses. This year’s theme calls on governments, health institutions, and communities to integrate mental health into emergency preparedness and response systems.

At Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital and across The Gambia, this day reminds us to strengthen our capacity to provide Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) during crises, ensuring that no one is left behind — even in the most challenging times.
By Bakary Camara
Senior Mental Health Officer MOH

10/10/2025

let's raise awareness on mental health

13/09/2025

MASTER’S BEEF: How Politics Can Impact Our Mental Health.
We often think of politics as something “out there” — but the truth is, the political environment we live in has a direct impact on our mental well-being.
When a country faces instability, injustice, or oppression, the psychological toll on its people can be profound. Here's how:
1️⃣ Chronic Stress & Anxiety
Living in fear of losing freedom, facing violence, or being treated unfairly can cause ongoing anxiety, insomnia, and constant worry.
2️⃣ Feeling Powerless or Hopeless
In systems where people feel their voices don’t matter — where elections are rigged or dissent is punished — it’s easy to fall into apathy, depression, or a deep sense of helplessness.
3️⃣ Identity-Based Trauma
When governments marginalize people based on race, tribe, religion, gender, or identity, it leads to fear, stigma, and serious damage to self-worth and mental health.
4️⃣ Economic Insecurity = Mental Strain
Corruption and mismanagement often lead to poverty, inflation, and job loss — which in turn increases stress, family conflict, and even risks of depression or addiction.
5️⃣ Social Division & Conflict
Politics can tear apart families and communities. Disagreements turn into isolation, resentment, and sometimes even radicalization.
6️⃣ Exposure to Political Violence
In more extreme situations, people are exposed to brutality, war, or disappearances — leading to PTSD, trauma, and emotional scars that last a lifetime.
7️⃣ Living in Fear or Suspicion
Constant surveillance or censorship creates mistrust — of media, institutions, even neighbors. This kind of paranoia leads to isolation and relationship breakdowns.
8️⃣ Lack of Mental Health Support
In many places, mental health care is either unaffordable, underfunded, or censored — especially when it's tied to speaking the truth.
👉 Mental health is political.
A just, safe, and stable political environment isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundation for mental well-being. Let’s never underest

08/08/2025

30/06/2025

As we embrace the much-needed rains, we must also be vigilant about the potential health risks that accompany this season. The increase in stagnant water creates ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, leading to a rise in diseases such as Dengue, Yellow Fever, and Malaria. Protect yourself and your family:

🛌 Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net
🧥 Wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers
🏠 Keep your environment clean
🗑️ Empty, cover, or remove containers that collect water (like tires, buckets, and flower pots)

Don’t ignore the signs: If you experience fever, headache, or body aches: visit your nearest health facility immediately. Your health is in your hands.

22/05/2025

Thank you Sir- for advocating

22/05/2025

Worth listening that's the reality of mental health in the Gambia

14/03/2025

Postnatal depression is more than just the “baby blues.” It is a serious mental health condition that affects mothers emotionally, mentally, and physically.

📊 1 in 7 mothers experience postnatal depression, yet many suffer in silence. Remember, you are not alone, and you are not failing.

😣If you’re struggling with postnatal depression, reach out. There is help, and there is hope. Let's break the silence and support our mothers.
Call 1025

06/02/2025

Notice: To all
Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital has no service for pickup patients in their homes or in the street. These days , we received a series of calls for pickup. We are not there yet as an institution. We are even struggling with logistics for Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital due to a lack of mobility. Thanks

06/02/2025

Today was the handover ceremony of Occupational Therapy or Rehabilitation centre for mentally disabled people at Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, Its can't be possible without the help of TIKA . The ambassador and team were so generous to refurnished and expand therapy hall. Thanks, graciously TIKA in the Gambia