In recent years, mental health and substance use disorders have emerged as critical global concerns, affecting millions of individuals and families across cultural and geographical boundaries. The World Health Organization estimates that one in eight people worldwide lives with a mental disorder.
The situation was gloomier in Liberia, particularly in rural Maryland County. Over the years, Partners In Health (PIH) Liberia has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the Maryland County Health Team (CHT) to reach approximately 5,705 mental health beneficiaries between 2021 and 2023.
The story of Antony Nimely Toe, a Liberian from Grand Kru County in southeastern Liberia, illustrates the complexities of mental health issues. Antony was one of over 5,705 PIH/CHT mental health program beneficiaries. His journey highlights an individual’s struggle and recovery, emphasizing the essential role of social support during these challenges.
Antony’s battle began in 2000 while he was living in Monrovia. Initially perceived as a psychological crisis, his family sought spiritual healing, deeply rooted in their Christian faith. “My sickness started in Monrovia in the year 2000. My sister brought me to Maryland at that time, believing it was spiritual,” he recounted. In search of healing, they took him to church for prayer. After some time, Antony experienced a brief return to normalcy. However, this relief was only temporary. He recalled,
“After some months, I got sick again and was brought back to the church because everyone believed it was a spiritual issue.”
His faith fluctuated, especially during another health crisis in 2017, which prompted community health leaders to act. Henry J. Nah, Chairperson of the Community Health Committee, advocated for Antony’s treatment. “People in the community advised me to take him to a health facility for treatment,” Henry recalled. Understanding the gravity of Antony’s situation, he helped secure the healthcare that would ultimately change Antony’s life.
Rebecca W. Nimely, Antony’s 18-year-old daughter, also shared the emotional toll of her father’s struggle with mental health. “I used to feel bad every time I saw my father in that condition,” she explained. “When he was in his right state of mind, he was very caring, providing the love and support a child needs from a parent. Seeing him chained to a stick or a tree saddens me.” Her sentiments echo the helplessness many families experience when a loved one battles mental health issues in Liberia. With the help of healthcare professionals, notably PIH, Antony began to reclaim his life. “Since I started my medication, I am doing better than I used to. Before the intervention from Partners In Health, my condition was bad.” He shared memories of when he wandered the streets without clothes, causing his family to search for him for days. “Sometimes, they would chain me to a stick inside the church for weeks,” he described, highlighting the extreme measures taken during his illness. Like all other beneficiaries of the mental health program, Anthony received medication and nutritional support under the PIH social support program, which led to significant improvements in both his psychological and physical health.
Looking forward with Hope
Today, Antony stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. He has recovered and actively participates in his community, serving as an associate pastor of the Healing Temple Church in Philadelphia Township, near Harper City in Maryland County, Liberia. Expressing gratitude on his journey he said, “I received food support, transportation assistance, and medication from Partners In Health.”
Beyond his spiritual endeavors, Antony has embraced vocational training. “I was enrolled in a six-month vocational school where I learned to sew clothes,” he shared, emphasizing his desire for self-sufficiency. He diligently hones his skills and seeks assistance as needed. He proudly stated,
“I sewed the shirt and trousers I’m wearing now.”
Anthony Toe, who receives care from the Partners In Health supported J.J.D Hospital in Harper, Maryland County, walks home after preaching at a Sunday worship service at his church. Photo by Ansumana O. Sessay / PIH
The support from PIH has significantly benefited his family as well. “During my sickness, I couldn’t provide for my family; Partners In Health filled that gap,” he noted.
PIH’s comprehensive mental health program supports patients facing mental illness, including those experiencing homelessness. It offers essential services such as food, water, and hygiene products. This approach has helped build trust within the community, and many patients have shown significant improvement through medication and social support.
Antony Nimely Toe’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the multifaceted nature of mental health and substance use disorders, highlighting the need for a compassionate approach. His life illustrates the critical importance of community support, medical intervention, and personal determination to overcome the debilitating effects of these disorders. It reinforces that mental health is not just an individual issue; it’s a shared responsibility that can uplift entire communities, offering hope to many still fighting their battles.
PIH Liberia works along with the Maryland County Health Team to enhance the quality and accessibility of mental health services through collaboration with community members, traditional healers, lay providers, and facility-level providers. Peers and caregivers lead psychosocial rehabilitation groups, and PIH also partners with the Ministry of Health to update national mental health policies.
