Everyone understands that mental health is important, but sadly, most Bangladeshis do not care about them. Many individuals refrain from speaking about their issues because they feel scared, judged, and think they are weak. However, many people suffer from mental health issues. There needs to be a change in people’s mindsets where someone seeking help is seen as strong and not weak.
Mental Health in Bangladesh
While many people in Bangladesh suffer from mental health issues, very few ever discuss it. Recent research suggests that nearly 17% of the adult population in the country has at least one mental illness. Yet, most of the population lacks awareness about mental health issues. Many people do not know where to seek assistance, and many times, when they try to look for help, they get turned down.
Lacking knowledge ranks among the most known problems. Many people wrongly assume that mental illness stems from bad luck, being weak, or having something to do with witchcraft. So many people suffer from depression, anxiety, and several other issues but choose not to talk about their problems because they feel they will not be understood.
Why It Matters
Mental health is as crucial as physical health. This is something children should be taught from a young age. When you’re unwell, you see a doctor, don’t you? If you suspect that you are suffering from mental health issues, look for help too.
The more someone is educated, the less afraid they become to seek help. If we aim to reach out to them in the hope of addressing mental health issues, they will suffer less. In addition, awareness goes a long way to help family and friends help and not criticize. If there is more knowledge about mental health, people will be kinder and able to accept people for what they suffer from and be stronger overall.
Breaking the Stigma
We all need to work together to change the way people think about mental health.
- Talking about mental health should not be perceived as taboo. It should be as normal as discussing any other aspect of well-being.
- We should talk about mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities so that everyone can understand it better.
- Just like any other medical treatment, therapy, counseling, and support groups ought to be made available.
- If someone talks about mental health, be supportive and listen supportive, rather than being judgmental.
- Raise awareness by sharing stories, resources, and optimistic messages about mental health in social media so that more people understand it.
The Role of Youth
Young people in Bangladesh can do many things to change the way people think about mental health. We can change things for the better and question old ideas with the help of student groups, social media, and projects. That way, college and university students can talk about their problems without fear of being judged.
Making Bangladesh mentally healthy will take time, but it is possible for things to change. As a society, we can treat mental health with the respect it deserves if we all help each other and spread the word. No one should have to suffer alone. Mental health should come first, and we should work for a future where everyone feels safe, heard, and important.
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Writer
Sarah Mahdia
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE