Our mental and physical health are closely connected. Persistent stress, fear, trauma, or sadness do not only affect how we feel emotionally — they can influence sleep, concentration, immune function, and vulnerability to physical illness. Mental health is therefore not separate from “real” health; it is an essential part of it. Experiencing emotional distress is not a sign of weakness, failure, or personal fault. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Addressing them is crucial for individual wellbeing and for the health of societies as a whole

Mental health conditions are often misunderstood and stigmatized. They may be perceived as something unreal, shameful, or as something one should simply “control” or “decide away.” As a result, people experiencing mental distress are frequently blamed, isolated, or excluded — which often worsens their suffering. Mental health conditions have biological, psychological, and social causes. People affected are not responsible for their illness and deserve the same understanding, care, and support as anyone with a physical condition. Reducing stigma begins with knowledge, dialogue, and shared understanding

Mental health remains underrepresented within the Cameroonian health system. Services are scarce, largely centralized, and often unaffordable, while health insurance coverage is limited. Although mental distress is widespread and contributes significantly to suffering, public health funding and attention continue to focus primarily on physical illnesses. Psychotherapeutic and psychosocial approaches are still rare, and reliable data on mental health needs remains limited. This makes it difficult to design adequate responses. Strengthening mental health in Cameroon therefore requires awareness, training, research, and the development of accessible care pathways — all grounded in local realities.

HoH works to bridge these gaps by combining awareness-raising, community-based identification, clinical collaboration, research, and digital tools. We aim to make mental health information accessible, support early identification of severe cases, and improve coordination between communities, professionals, and services. This page is part of that effort. It offers a space to learn, reflect, and connect — whether you are seeking information for yourself, for someone close to you, or as a professional or partner.

Through conversations with professionals, people with lived experience, and community actors, our podcast explores mental health topics in an accessible and culturally grounded way. Episodes address stigma, wellbeing, science, and lived realities in Cameroon and beyond.

Mental health is a journey, not a single conversation. Stay informed about our projects, research insights, events, and new resources by subscribing to our newsletter.