According to the most recent National Mental Health Survey of Bangladesh, in Bangladesh, nine out of every ten people with mental health issues do not receive treatment. It is disconcerting to learn that the government spends less than one percent of its total health budget on mental healthcare whereas the budgetary allocation for mental health sector in the developing countries should be at least 5 per cent. Reportedly, of the total expenditure, two third is dedicated to mental hospitals only, while around 90 percent of the population does not have access to free essential psychotropic medications.
The mental healthcare system in Bangladesh is facing multifarious problems including lack of public mental health facilities, scarcity of skilled workforce, inadequate financial resource allocation and social stigma.
Mental illness is a major health
challenge in global
context, and in angladesh it is yet to
receive the mass attention
as a public health crisis
Mental illness is a major health challenge in global context, and in Bangladesh it is yet to receive the mass attention as a public health crisis. In Bangladesh, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, depression and schizophrenia are the top five mental health issues affecting the younger population. The younger set is not the only group that is affected. Even among older age groups, mental health problems are prevalent and experts have repeatedly highlighted the need to raise awareness on it.
Over the last years living standard of people in Bangladesh has improved a lot. Life has become more technical and stress in life has increased much more than any time in the past. Consequently, mental health situation is worsening at an alarming rate. Drug addiction is playing a vital role in overwhelming our youths with mental stress. We believe, by reinforcing the drug law, we can help our youths overcome mental illness caused by drug addiction.
In order to raise raising awareness of the effects of mental illness on the younger generation, we must work together to break down the stigmas and evolve the support and care for those of all ages who experience problems with their mental health. Another way to ensure we don’t carry our burdens of attitude into the future is to make mental health awareness an integral part of early education.
The sooner we disinvest children of the obsolete values of shame and stigma associated with mental health issues, the earlier we will see the changes we desire in society.
