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TL;DR
- Over 30 million people in Bangladesh need mental health services, with no comprehensive surveys conducted in the last five years.
- Workplace stress, low wages, and job dissatisfaction are major contributors to mental health issues, affecting one in five workers.
- Bangladesh has fewer than 250 psychiatrists and psychologists, making mental health services largely inaccessible outside Dhaka.
- Only 813 beds are available for mental health patients nationwide, highlighting a severe shortage of resources.
On World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that over 30 million people in Bangladesh require mental health services, underscoring a critical need for improved mental healthcare infrastructure. Despite this pressing demand, Bangladesh has not conducted any comprehensive surveys or research on mental health issues in the past five years. The lack of data complicates efforts to address the mental health crisis effectively.
Helal Uddin Ahmed, an associate professor at the National Institute of Mental Health, attributes the alarming state of mental health to factors such as workplace stress, low wages, and job dissatisfaction. “One in five workers experiences mental health challenges, and 80 percent of those with serious conditions lose their jobs,” he noted. The country’s inadequate mental health resources exacerbate the situation, with fewer than 250 psychiatrists and psychologists available nationwide, most of whom are based in Dhaka.
A survey conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health in 2018-19 revealed that 17 percent of adults suffer from mild to severe mental health issues. Among those under 18, 13.6 percent struggle with mental health problems, yet over 90 percent do not receive treatment due to stigma and resource scarcity. The lack of mental health professionals and facilities means that many patients remain untreated or receive inadequate care.
Professor Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, director of the National Institute of Mental Health, emphasized the urgent need to prioritize mental health in the workplace. He stressed that a positive work environment is crucial for improving mental well-being. Currently, only 813 beds are available for mental health patients across major facilities in Bangladesh, highlighting a severe shortage of resources.
The WHO’s call to action on World Mental Health Day aims to address these challenges by advocating for increased awareness and investment in mental health services. The focus is on creating supportive environments that foster mental well-being and reduce stigma associated with seeking help. As Bangladesh grapples with this silent crisis, it is imperative for both public and private sectors to collaborate in expanding access to mental health care and support systems.
Source: The Daily Star
