The number of mental health sufferers in the country is increasing day by day due to stress, socio-economic condition, hereditary problem and misuse of technology.

According to a 2016 survey by the National Institute of Mental Health and Research (NIMH&R), 31% of Bangladesh’s population or 50 million people are suffering from mental health disorders.

For mental health-related treatment, there are only 790 seats at the NIMH and Pabna mental hospital with only 220 doctors.

Mental health experts say that the families of the patients are not sincere enough regarding the treatment of the patients. People should visit doctors if they suffer from mental illness

NIMH’s Dr. Mekhla Sarkar said, ‘People think they would be labeled “mad” if they visit doctors for mental health issues. The number of mental health experts is also inadequate and mental services are neglected here.’

Pointing out the reason behind it Dr. Mekhla said, “It is mainly because of lack of awareness. Mental health is not given importance in medical education and the students also do not show interest in this field. That is why the number of mental health experts is low.”
 Mentioning that there is no alternative to awareness she said, ‘Whenever any member of the family behaves abnormally, we have to understand that that person is going through some mental issues. At that time we must extend a helping hand instead of pushing that person away. We must be friendly with the patient and talk with him. If we do that, it will help create a sense of safety, dependency, and confidence in the patient. But the space to express ourselves is gradually shrinking and we are becoming victims of mental illnesses.’

Prof Dr. Salauddin Kawsar Biplob of the Psychology department at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University said, ‘We cannot deny the scarcity of medical services. There is a shortage of doctors too. Bangladesh lacked facilities to provide the required assistance to the patients with and we also do not have people to raise awareness about mental health.’
Every year through different arrangements ‘World Mental Health Day’ is observed on October 10. Mental health in the workplace is the theme of World Mental Health Day 2017.