Yealue Links Liberia’s Mental Health Challenges to Historical Trauma, Political and Economic Pressures

MONROVIA — The Chairperson of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, Cllr. Lawrence Yealue, has linked Liberia’s mental health and psychosocial challenges to historical trauma, political pressures and economic hardship, calling for practical interventions to strengthen support for young people and communities.

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By Francis G. Boayue

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Speaking at the 2026 Mental Health and Psychosocial Counseling Conference (MHPCC 2026), Yealue urged stakeholders to look beyond individual mental health conditions and examine how Liberia’s historical experiences and present-day social and economic realities affect the psychological well-being of its population.

He pointed to the American Colonization Society (ACS), which played a role in Liberia’s establishment, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the country’s founding contributed to what he described as widespread psychological challenges among Liberians.

According to Yealue, Liberia’s historical experience helped shape a mindset of dependency that continues to influence national identity and the way young people perceive opportunities and independence.

He said the country’s history must be considered when examining some of the social and psychological difficulties confronting its population.

Turning to contemporary challenges, Yealue identified political pressure and economic hardship as major factors affecting the mental well-being of young people.

He cautioned against allowing political divisions and negative influences to draw young people into conflicts that could undermine their peace of mind and personal development.

Yealue also raised concerns about corruption, alleging that some influential individuals recruit young people as intermediaries in questionable financial activities by offering payments that exceed what they could earn through legitimate employment.

To address the challenges, he outlined three approaches: humanizing people’s experiences, moving from awareness to action and building sustainable mental health support systems.

He called for greater empathy toward people experiencing mental health difficulties, warning against stigma, discrimination, and public ridicule.

Yealue also recommended integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, establishing youth-led peer counseling networks in schools and social clubs and expanding psychosocial support through churches and community youth groups.

He further called for the decriminalization of mental health challenges, emphasizing the need to create an environment where individuals can seek assistance without fear of discrimination.

Meanwhile, Nelson Teah Toe Jr., founder of the Encourage Africa Counseling and Career Foundation (EACCF), called for stronger collaboration among institutions and organizations to improve mental health awareness and support in Liberia.

Welcoming participants, Toe, a Liberian educator and mental health counselor, said the conference was intended to promote meaningful discussions on mental health and psychosocial well-being while identifying practical responses to challenges affecting individuals, families and communities.

He emphasized that mental health is not an issue confined to a particular group, noting that individuals may experience challenges directly or through family members, friends and others within their communities.

The conference brought together students, mental health practitioners, and other stakeholders to discuss mental health challenges, share lived experiences and explore practical ways to strengthen psychosocial support and improve access to mental health services.

Held under the theme, “From Awareness to Action: Building Sustainable Mental Health Support Systems in Liberia,” MHPCC 2026 focused on mental health awareness, lived experiences, psychosocial counseling and support, stakeholder collaboration and sustainable interventions.

The program featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking and interactive learning sessions aimed at challenging stigma, strengthening partnerships and identifying practical measures to improve mental health services.

Established on May 31, 2020, the Encourage Africa Counseling and Career Foundation is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization providing counseling, education, psychosocial support, career development and recreational initiatives.

The foundation seeks to equip individuals and families with the skills and support needed to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

Its mission is to promote an environment where children, individuals, and families can receive support for their mental, spiritual and physical well-being.