If the number of people with mental health issues is any indication, then, more people are suffering from this medical condition. People have anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders among many others. Mental health problems affect the way you think, feel and behave. They are problems that can be diagnosed by a doctor.
According to the Annual Health Bulletin 2021, depression and panic attacks topped the cases. From 1055 cases in 2019, new cases of mental health problems increased to 2009 last year.
“That is situation-based. In 2020, because of the pandemic, a lot of people started panicking and that resulted in panic disorders. I feel we should not be alarmed by saying there is a drastic increase. Instead, we should wait and see when the situation improves, probably, people will again be relaxed and may not come with anxiety,” Dr Damber K Nirola, Psychiatrist at the National Referral Hospital.
Although the international standard requires the budget allocation of at least five percent of the country’s GDP towards mental health, Bhutan’s scenario is otherwise.
From 10 percent of the GDP, the health sector gets, only one percent is allocated to mental health. The psychiatrist said this is worrying. He said Bhutan could improve the mental health status more through societal support.
Dr Damber K Nirola said, “Despite trying to educate people to come forth and be helpful to the people who are suffering from mental illness, it doesn’t happen. All of us should come forward and keep on fighting, keep on fighting the stigma, keep on encouraging people who have mental illnesses to come forward for treatment because not every mental disorder can make the person disabled in life.”
There is also a shortage of doctors to provide mental and behavioural health care. But things might improve as more doctors will join the hospital next year.
Meanwhile, the health ministry urges people to get help. They can call the toll free number 112.
Chayku
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
