The Persistent Stigma and Disregard for Mental Health in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka being a developing country for nearly a century now, Mental Health has not been
treated as a priority or a focus area in any public arena island wide. But the seasonal outburst
after a tragic incident takes place, are very common to the Mental Health sector in Sri Lanka. As
a country that has been suffering from crisis after a crisis, the overall mental health among the
citizens is affected in multiple ways. The general public has a myth over the mental health that,
being ‘mentally healthy’ means the absence of mental illnesses. But statistical data, research and
various forms of studies and surveys run have proven that has never been the real situation. And,
having non inadequate knowledge about mental health and mental disorders, have led to stigma
and ignorance over serious mental health issues. And given the circumstances due to the
economic crisis in Sri Lanka, even though the mental health has also been rapidly decreasing,
most of the citizens have not been able to afford to take any action towards the well-being.
Ignorance and not treating mental health issues that is being rapidly growing through the recent
past has been one of the major causes which has affected the increase in suicide mortality rate in
Sri Lanka, substance abuse among children and youth and many serious mental disorders among
the Sri Lankans.

Despite being a relatively small country, Sri Lanka has a high prevalence of mental health
disorders, with estimates suggesting that up to one in five individuals in the country may be
affected. However, despite the significant burden of mental illness in Sri Lanka, there remains a
significant stigma surrounding mental health, which can make it difficult for individuals to seek
help and support. One of the main reasons for the stigma surrounding mental health in Sri Lanka
is the lack of understanding and awareness about mental illness. Many people in the country
believe that mental health problems are a sign of weakness or a personal failing, rather than
recognizing them as a legitimate medical condition. This can lead to discrimination and social
isolation for those struggling with mental health issues. Many people in the country have a
limited understanding of mental illness and do not know how to recognize the signs and
symptoms of mental health problems. This can make it difficult for people to seek help when
they are struggling and can also lead to a lack of understanding and support from friends and
family members.

The stigma and disregard for mental health in Sri Lanka can have significant consequences for
individuals, communities, and the country as a whole. Some of the impacts of these issues
include which includes, poor mental health and well-being. This can have a ripple effect,
impacting individuals' relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Stigma surrounding mental
health can lead to social isolation and discrimination for those struggling with mental health
issues. This can make it difficult for people to seek help and support and can also lead to further
mental health problems. And, mental health and physical health are closely linked, and poor
mental health can have a negative impact on physical health. For example, untreated mental
health issues such as depression and anxiety can increase the risk of physical health problems
such as heart disease and stroke.
Due to the current economic recession with the fuel crisis, power outages, pandemic, extreme
political situations and unbearable increase in living cost, the mental health of Sri Lankan
citizens have taken a bad turn too. According to the survey results, one in every three families
says, that they have noticed a significant negative change in behavior among their children. If
these issues are not given the attention or the treatment they require, there can be consequences
such as suicide rate increase and substance abuse increase as well. And the latest outburst of the
increase in ‘ice’ or crystal meth usage among children is also a live example for this situation.
Substance abuse is a serious issue in Sri Lanka, as it is in many countries around the world. Poor
mental health can be a contributing factor to substance abuse, as individuals may turn to drugs or
alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings of distress or to numb emotional pain. Substance
abuse can also lead to further deterioration of mental health, creating a vicious cycle. It is
important for individuals who are struggling with substance abuse and poor mental health to seek
help from a mental health professional or a substance abuse treatment program. Treatment may
include therapy, medication, and support from loved ones and peer groups. There are many
factors that can contribute to suicide. But, one of the major reasons, which leads to the decision,
is issues with mental health and having no one to turn to express the thoughts of a person due to
stigma. In Sri Lanka, 14% of suicide mortality rate keeps fluctuating around 14% since 2018.
Which is, above the global average.

In addition to the stigma surrounding mental health, there is also a lack of access to quality
mental health care in Sri Lanka. While there are some mental health facilities and services
available in the country, these are often underfunded and understaffed, and are unable to meet
the demand for mental health care. This can make it difficult for individuals to get the help and
support that they need, leading to a vicious cycle of untreated mental health issues and further
stigma.

Despite these challenges, there are some efforts being made to address the stigma surrounding
mental health in Sri Lanka. Some organizations such as and advocacy groups are working to
increase awareness and understanding about mental health, and to provide support and resources
for those struggling with mental illness. In addition to National Institution of Mental Health,
National Council for mental health, there are several organizations such as, Nest, Sumithrayo,
Samutthana and CCC foundation which are based on providing support and awareness for the
mental health in Sri Lanka.

Ultimately, addressing the stigma and disregard for mental health in Sri Lanka will require a
multifaceted approach that involves education, awareness-raising, and the provision of quality
mental health care

Efforts to address the stigma and disregard of mental health in Sri Lanka could include:

1. Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues: This could be done
through public education campaigns, media campaigns, and training programs for
professionals.
2. Improving access to mental health care: This could involve expanding the number of
mental health care providers, increasing funding for mental health care, and reducing
barriers to treatment such as cost and transportation.
 3. Promoting social support: This could involve building networks of support among
friends, family, and community organizations, and encouraging people to seek help when
they need it.
4. Addressing discrimination and stigma: This could involve educating people about the
realities of mental illness and working to change negative attitudes and behaviors.
5. Implementing policy and legislative changes: This could involve enacting laws and
policies that protect the rights of people with mental illness and promote access to care.

Even though there are many steps to be taken and already implemented to improve the mental
health care sector in Sri Lanka, the current political and economic instability will not be a
supporting factor to the causes. Because of the extreme living conditions of the working class in
Sri Lanka, the affordable attention to the mental health is still at a lower level. Also, the hectic
education system and highly competitive educational environment is a challenge in
accomplishing the improvements of the mental health. But if the stigma and the disregard is
broken and people are awoken and aware about the issues, it would be a great help to prevent the
causes that leads an individual to a despair state of loneliness, isolation, or stress. And it would
be a support to identify the treatable mental conditions at their early stage preventing the tragic
events in the future.

References
(2022). “We are near total breakdown”:. Amnesty International .
Esufally, Z. ( 2021). Mental health is not just absence of mental disorders. Times Online.
Halyk, S. (2022). Sri lanka: One in three families see changes in children’s mental health amid
economic crisis. Save the Children.
ULNS Liyanage, WWJSM Rowel, UH Hewawitharana, V de Silva, DMT Dissanayake. (2019).
Stigma due to their work in mental health, among mental. 5.
World Health Organization. (2022, October 10). Retrieved from World Mental Health Day:
https://www.who.int/srilanka/news/detail/10-10-2022-world-mental-health-day