…an Interview with the author of the Resource Guide “Getting Involved in Global Mental Health”

By Emmanuel Okogba

Global mental health is an emerging field that bridges research, policy, and community practice across countries to improve mental health outcomes everywhere.

By leveraging lessons and strategies from around the world, professionals can help strengthen local systems, shape policy, and develop interventions that are culturally relevant and sustainable.

In Africa, for example, countries such as Ghana have decriminalized attempted suicide in recent years, and Nigeria is on the verge of taking similar steps. These developments demonstrate how global mental health can inform local change, allowing communities to benefit from international knowledge and solidarity.

Benmun Damul, a leading voice in this space, recently released a comprehensive resource guide titled “Getting Involved in Global Mental Health”. The guide provides practical steps for students, early-career professionals, and advocates seeking to make meaningful contributions to the field.

We spoke with Damul about the guide, its purpose, and the broader relevance of global mental health.

What inspired you to create this guide?

I noticed a gap for people who wanted to engage in global mental health but didn’t know where to start. The guide is meant to provide clear pathways, through research, advocacy, volunteering, and professional development, so individuals can translate their passion into concrete action, both locally and globally.

How does global mental health relate to local communities?

Mental health challenges aren’t confined by borders. International research, policy changes, and innovative interventions often influence local practices. For instance, seeing Ghana’s reforms on suicide decriminalization helps inform advocacy in Nigeria. Global mental health allows us to work to improve our local communities in solidarity with the world.

What impact do you hope the guide will have?

I hope it empowers people to engage with the field intentionally and strategically. It’s about translating knowledge into action, whether through policy, research, clinical work, or community initiatives. Ultimately, it’s a roadmap for building capacity in mental health locally while contributing to global conversations.

Damul’s work has already been recognized through collaborations with community organizations and public health initiatives. By creating resources that connect global lessons to local action, Damul is shaping the next generation of mental health leaders who understand that global and local solutions are intertwined.

The guide is available online at mentalhealthrph.org, providing accessible tools for anyone who wants to make an impact in mental health advocacy, research, or policy.