Alarming mental health crisis amidst World Mental Health Day observances

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme was "Mental health is a universal human right".

Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists (BAP) conducts various month-long programmes on the occasion of the day every year. The publication of pamphlets outlining the importance of the day in daily newspapers, rallies, round table discussions, meet-the-press events, scientific seminars, and free medical camps are a few of these initiatives.

The Association organised a Meet the Press programme, which took place on October 9 at Dhaka Reporters Unity in observance of World Mental Health Day, with the collaboration of Synovia Pharma, says a press release.

A joint study by the National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, and the World Health Organisation showed 18% of the adult population of Bangladesh and 13% of children and adolescents are affected by mental illness. About 92% of the affected people did not receive any treatment.

The speakers pointed out the immense importance of print and electronic media in increasing awareness among people about the prevention and treatment of mental diseases.