World Mental Health Day
The
incidence of mental illnesses in Bangladesh is rising because of the
population boom, rapid urbanisation, high prevalence of violence against
women and children, and inadequate education and employment opportunities.
Nearly 1.2 million Bangladeshis suffer from major, and another 12 million from minor, psychiatric disorders, but there is only one psychiatrist per 2 million people.
World Mental Health Day 2003, which takes place on October 10, was established by the World Federation for Mental Health. This year, it will focus on the identification, treatment and prevention of emotional and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents.
The selection of this theme reflects the commitment the World Federation for Mental Health has made to raise worldwide awareness on the devastating effects of emotional and behavioral disorders on children and adolescents in all countries.
It also calls attention to the need to promote enlightened public policy, increase availability of treatment services, and develop and implement effective preventive strategies in order to reduce the suffering of children and their families.
Certainly, the need is great. According to the WHO, worldwide, up to 20 percent of children and adolescents have an impairing mental illness. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. Child and adolescent mental disorders impact the development of individuals throughout their lives.
The barriers to effective treatment are numerous, but reflect two dominant themes – stigma and lack of resources (financial, human, facilities). These barriers are evident in both developed and developing countries.
For child and adolescent emotional and behavioral disorders, which are known to progress and worsen into adulthood, the impact of inattention to treatment for later morbidity and mortality is demonstrable. These are just a few of the facts that make this year’s World Mental Health Day theme so important and timely.