Mental health is one of the most important aspects of healthcare and overall well-being of masses across the world. Mental health in south asian communities carries stigma, however, it has a strong association with medical issues and needs to be equally addressed when dealing with the health crisis globally. According to research it has been observed that developing a psychological issue or a mental disorder increases the likelihood of a person to suffer from physical ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, etc., which in turn, consequently, puts them at risk of developing many chronic health conditions.
Mental healthcare has gotten attention and a boost in western societies in the twentieth century and ever since then it has been upwards and onwards. There’s rigorous efforts at all levels to increase mental health awareness, break stereotypes, and myths regarding mental disorders. Work on providing effective primary, secondary and tertiary care has been done and ongoing. A large number of researches have been conducted to find the most effective therapies and overall treatment for the patients.
However, in many parts of the world there is still a lot of stigmatization when it comes to mental health. Stigmatization can be categorized as the negative views or perceptions of people for the individuals suffering from mental disorders. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), South Asian countries account for 25% of Depression and anxiety disorders worldwide, and 10-12 percent of the population in south Asian countries suffers from mental health problems, which is approximately 200 million people.
However, little to no care or treatment is sought by the masses. A varying number of factors are responsible for this disregard of the need for treatment.
Firstly, there’s an acute shortage of mental health professionals in such communities. One of the major reasons is that the government’s of all SAARC countries spend less than one percent of their entire national health budget for mental or psychiatric illness treatments.
There are many cultural differences and stereotypes regarding mental health problems. People generally do not discuss or disclose their mental health issues, it is usually not acceptable or taken on a serious note as compared to a medical or physical illness.
In southern societies it is part of the culture to keep up appearances and always appear strong regardless of difficult times or happenings in life; discussions on emotional or mental disorders is considered a vulnerability and or a disgrace.
Another important factor which adds to this stereotypical view of mental health is the complete and utter reliance on religious practices for the issues which are spiritual or mental in nature. It is a mutual understanding of individuals in such societies, and is also a part of faith that religion is the mere solution. This acts as an obstacle in the way of people getting proper medical and psychological help they require.
Moreover, there’s a lack of proper infrastructure and resources to help people with mental health concerns. Current and contemporary medications aren’t available, and if they are, they aren’t cost effective for the masses and the majority can’t afford to pay for them.
Another challenge this field faces in these countries is the lack of comprehensive, tangible, and objective national policies regarding mental health. Due to stigmatization, such topics are brushed aside and ignored on social and national levels. Only a few platforms are available and open to identifying mental health crises within their communities.
International associations such as world health organization WHO and world’s psychiatry association WPA are taking steps by developing programs that can lead to bring awareness of the importance of mental health in south Asian countries.
Such programs need to be focused on:
- Developing standard practices and SOPs for professionals
- Developing insight and awareness in the masses
- Breaking stereotypes
- Fundings and legalization for a more accountable system
In recent years, with growing emphasis on mental health awareness, positive steps have been taken by the south Asian communities to discard the stigma regarding mental issues at a small scale. However, it is to be considered that there’s a lot of room for improvement and much help is needed on an international level to develop a proper mental health care system in these countries which will aid in providing appropriate required care to those in need .
References’
Trivedi, J. K., Goel, D., Kallivayalil, R. A., Isaac, M., Shrestha, D. M., & Gambheera, H. C. (2007). Regional cooperation in South Asia in the field of mental health. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 6(1), 57–59.
