Mental health matters -

FE Team | Published: January 03, 2023 20:10:54 | Updated: April 05, 2023 21:16:20

Being both physically and emotionally fit is the key to success in all aspects of life. People should be aware of the consequences of mental illness and must give utmost importance to keeping the mind healthy like the way the body is kept healthy. Mental and physical health cannot be separated from each other. Unfortunately, we in Bangladesh do not give much attention to our mental health. Though we have hospitals and physicians for physical well-being, how many of them can serve those suffering from mental illness? According to a study, more than 15 per cent of the country's population suffer from mild to moderate psychiatric illness. What is even more shocking is that the country has only one psychiatrist for every 10,000 patients.
Talking about mental illness is also a social taboo in our country. People avoid sharing their mental state with their family, friends, or colleagues due to the shame and stigma. This delay in treatment can worsen one's mental state and compel individuals to take drastic steps such as suicide. So, we should ask about others' mental state in a way that shows empathy and acceptance rather than blaming themselves. We should choose words carefully when we talk to the people with mental health issues.
Our healthcare authorities should focus on mental health as it is just as important as physical health. The authorities must spend more on healthcare facilities, particularly psychological and psychiatric research to improve awareness and treatment. An organisation should be formed to raise awareness about mental health. The only way to fully destigmatise mental illnesses is to acknowledge their existence and normalise conversations about mental health. This will encourage people to talk to each other and get the help they need. Otherwise, people will continue suffering in silence.
Samia Jahan Shefa,
Student of Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology,
Jessore University of Science and Technology,
shefasamia8@gmail.com