Take mental illnesses seriously

It is alarming that 64 and 69 Lakh people of our country are suffering from depressive and anxiety disorder, respectively, according to the WHO study published by The Daily Star. 

Poverty, unemployment, low salary, relationship issues etc. have been identified as some of the main causes of these illnesses. We can see manifestations of these issues in the high number of suicides occurring every day.

We must take these issues seriously and try to solve them in an organised way. I completely agree with the ideas of Dr. Sultana Algin, Associate Professor of Psychiatry of BSMMU, quoted in the DS news report. Moreover, counseling services should be mandated in all education institutions so that students receive help and support in dealing with difficult situations.