Hairdressers in Togo Transform Salons into Safe Havens for Mental Health Support

In the heart of Lomé, Togo, Valérie da Silveira's hair salon has become an unexpected sanctuary for those navigating the choppy waters of mental health issues. For over two decades, Silveira has been a dedicated haircare specialist, skillfully braiding, weaving, and styling hair in her small salon nestled down a dirt alley. However, in the past year, she has taken on a new role — that of a confidante and emotional support for her clients. Silveira's journey into mental health support began when she noticed her clients sharing their struggles during their appointments. "Before, when some of them told me about their problems, I didn't know what to tell them except to go and see the pastor," she reflected with a rueful smile. Realizing the significance of these conversations, she started to encourage her clients to open up, creating a safe space amidst the familiar surroundings of her salon, surrounded by hair products and the comforting hum of hairdryers. Her compassion and willingness to listen are indicative of a broader movement taking root across West Africa. In June 2023, Silveira took her commitment further by undergoing first-aid training in psychosocial disorders, joining over 150 hairdressers from Togo, Cameroon, and Côte d'Ivoire who have participated in a unique educational initiative organized by the Bluemind Foundation. This program seeks to address the pressing mental health crisis in the region, where professional support is extremely limited. The statistics are staggering. Togo has just five psychiatrists for a population nearing eight million, while Cameroon offers a mere ten for 26 million residents. The continent as a whole is in a dire situation, with fewer than two specialized health professionals per 100,000 inhabitants — a stark contrast to the WHO's recommendations. Moreover, the financial resources allocated to mental health treatment are appallingly low, averaging less than $0.50 per person annually. The consequences of these gaps in mental health care are profound. African countries face not only the challenge of under-resourced healthcare systems but also the burden of societal stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many individuals are reluctant to seek help, fearing social ostracism. Marie-Alix de Putter, the founder of the Bluemind Foundation, personally understands this battle. She recounted her own experience with mental health stigma following the tragic murder of her husband in 2012. Despite her family's disapproval of seeking psychiatric help, it was these consultations that ultimately provided her with the support she desperately needed. De Putter's bond with her hairdresser during her time of grief exemplifies the powerful connections that can flourish in these everyday settings. "It may seem strange, but I spent my first evening as a widow with my hairdresser," she noted. This intimate connection reflects the role hairdressers can play in fostering trust and providing emotional support, often acting as the first line of defense for those in need. As awareness of mental health issues grows in West Africa, initiatives like the one spearheaded by the Bluemind Foundation highlight the importance of integrating mental health support into community spaces. Hairdressers like Silveira are stepping up to fill a void left by the lack of professional services, offering comfort and understanding to clients in a region where mental health care is both necessary and desperately needed. The journey ahead may be long, but for those like Silveira, the commitment to support their communities is already making a significant difference—one braid at a time.