Invisible Scars: Mental Health as the Unseen Crisis of the Anglophone Conflict in Cameroon

he Anglophone crisis in Cameroon is often told in numbers—over 700,000 displaced, thousands injured or killed, and communities torn apart. Yet behind these stark statistics lies an invisible battlefield: the human mind. This article shines a light on the silent epidemic of psychological trauma that has seeped into homes, schools, markets, and even the diaspora. Drawing from professional experience as a systemic psychological coach, certified German mediator, and a native of Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West Region, the author uncovers how cultural norms, limited infrastructure, and entrenched stigma create a perfect storm of neglect. Through a blend of research, field observations, and lived narratives, this work calls for urgent policy reforms, culturally grounded interventions, and international solidarity to treat mental health not as a peripheral concern—but as a core element of peace building.