Awareness, proper treatment essential for mental well-being: Experts

Psychiatrists and government officials highlighted widespread misconceptions about mental illness across the country, particularly in backward areas, and the alarming impact from lack of knowledge at a research finding disclosure event on Tuesday.

The results of a four-year research project by Transform Bangladesh — aimed at ensuring science-based mental healthcare for slum dwellers—were presented on the closing day of a two-day event at the BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

The research project titled “Transforming Access to Care for Serious Mental Disorders in Slums (TRANSFORM)” was funded by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

Dr Md Shibbir Ahmed Osmani, joint secretary (Public Health Wing) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said that mental health issues in the country are still neglected and public awareness remains very low. When people fall ill, they often believe they are possessed by spirits or affected by black magic and seek spiritual or traditional remedies. Due to lack of proper medical treatment, the condition of mental health patients deteriorates further. To understand the true picture of mental health in the country and bring the majority of patients under proper care, nationwide field surveys focusing on disease patterns, patient conditions, and treatment practices, along with awareness activities, are necessary.

He added that it is difficult for the government to carry out such initiatives alone. Therefore, he urged development partners to implement more such projects to uncover the real mental health situation in the country. The government, he said, is willing to work with local and international organizations to improve mental health services.

Md Mamunur Rashid, joint secretary (World Health Wing) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, stated that primary healthcare services in the country have expanded significantly. Community clinics, union sub-centers, and upazila health complexes are actively functioning. By involving these institutions, it is possible to implement field survey projects to determine the actual mental health status of the population and raise awareness among patients and their families. If such initiatives are undertaken, people across the country will benefit, be protected from incorrect treatment, and become aware of where to access appropriate mental healthcare.

The research project’s Bangladesh Principal Investigator, Dr Tanzir Rashid Saran, presented the key paper. He discussed various stages and methodologies of the research, its findings, and how the research could contribute at the national level.

Speakers at the event included Professor Dr Farzana Dina from the Department of Community and Social Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Professor Dr Nahid Mahzabin Morshed from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Professor Dr Khalequzzaman from the Department of Health and Informatics, and Dr Nazma Akter, assistant director of the Planning and Research Division of the Directorate General of Health Services, among others. The event was inaugurated by Professor Dr Nizam Uddin, member secretary general of the Bangladesh Psychiatric Association.

Organizers said that participants over the two-day event included representatives from government and non-government organizations, university teachers, public health experts, representatives from the World Health Organization, various NGOs, traditional healers (Kabiraj) from the Korail slum area, drug sellers, and community health workers.

During the workshop, young researchers from the project gave presentations, and panel discussions, plenary sessions, and experience-sharing sessions were held involving those engaged in research conducted among residents of the Korail slum.