COLOMBO (News 1st):- One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization shows that around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide.

Mental illness isn’t as visible as a broken arm, hence making it harder to identify the issue. Language barriers, underemployment, unemployment, isolation, and separation from family are often associated with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”

Depression is a common mental disorder affecting more than 264 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability that contributes greatly to the global burden of disease. However, treatments are available, but nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year. Which makes it 1 suicide every 40 seconds. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

“There is a huge degree of stress seen in the present generation,” said the Head of Psychology Unit of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Dr. Jayan Mendis. “When we compare the number of psychiatrists in Sri Lanka with the number of psychiatrists 10 years ago, the present number has gone up,” Dr. Jayan Mendis said, adding “there are about 110 psychiatrists working across the country”

Anyone can suffer from mental illnesses. It forces victims to bottle up their emotions, feelings, and thoughts which can be fatal. Mental health shouldn’t be discussed in whispers behind closed doors. That only supports the stigma.

“Don’t let your struggle become your identity”

If you need help, DO NOT hesitate to contact,

National Council For Mental Health (Sahanaya)

• 011 2 685 960
• 011 4 339 606

Institute of Mental Health

• 011 2 506 004
• 011 2 058 650
• 071 4 749 625

Child Adolescent and Family Services

• 076 4 067 004
• 011 7 446 919

Sri Lanka Sumithrayo

• 011 2 682 535
• 011 2 682 570

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