Ghanaian relationship counsellor, George Lutterodt, has sparked fresh debate with his comments about depression and the financial circumstances of people who experience the condition.
Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, Counsellor Lutterodt disclosed that he has never suffered from depression and argued that, in his view, people who are struggling financially should not necessarily consider themselves depressed.
"I was not depressed to go into counselling. I've not been depressed before, and it's not pride," he said.
According to him, his experience as a counselling practitioner since 2005 has given him enough knowledge to identify depression when he sees it.
“I can't be practising as a practitioner since 2005, and I wouldn't know when I'm depressed. A lot of people say they're depressed, but they're not depressed," he stated.
Counsellor Lutterodt further questioned why a poor person should become depressed, arguing that depression should rather be associated with people who have lost something valuable.
"I don't know why a poor person should be depressed because it should be for those who are rich and losing something. What are you losing?" he asked.
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He noted that people facing financial hardship should focus on finding ways to survive rather than describing their situation as depression.
"If you wake up and you've not eaten, you shouldn't be depressed," he shared.
The counsellor also spoke about his personal business activities, revealing that he sells communion-related items and other products to supplement his income.
"I'm not a politician, but in my business, I do a lot of business. I sell communion and other things. Even when I travel, I wear my T-shirt and sell things," he disclosed.
He further noted that his decision to engage in business has attracted ridicule from some social media users, particularly when he sells products while travelling abroad.
"A lot of people have mocked me on social media about the business I do abroad, but I don't care," he added.
I don't know why a poor person should be depressed — @GeorgeLutterod7 #DaybreakHitz #Hitz1039Fm pic.twitter.com/8zOGFw4wIN
— Hitz 103.9 FM (@Hitz1039FM) September 1, 2026 FG/EB What every mother should know about maternal mental health