Mental health has become a pressing issue in today's world, with many experiencing mental disturbances due to various factors in daily life, which often manifest in the workplace.
This instability affects work performance and leads to wasted hours.
However, in Bangladesh, the habit of seeking counseling and mental health support remains underdeveloped. With timely counseling and treatment, individuals can often return to normal life.
In developed countries, an average of 10% of workers in every workplace cannot perform their duties properly due to depression alone, leading to an average loss of 36 working days per year, according to Professor Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed.
Unfortunately, no national survey or research has been conducted in the past five years to determine how many people in Bangladesh are suffering from mental illness.
Despite the finalisation of the National Mental Health Policy and National Mental Health Strategy in 2022, progress remains limited.
Experts estimate that one in five people face mental health challenges at work, with 80% of those affected eventually losing their jobs due to serious mental health issues.
According to the latest government data, Bangladesh has only 350 psychiatrists, which equates to 0.17 specialists per 100,000 people.
There are also 565 psychologists (0.34 per 100,000 people), seven psychiatric social workers (0.004 per 100,000), 324 occupational therapists (0.18 per 100,000), and 700 nurses.
As the world marks World Mental Health Day today (October 10), the focus in Bangladesh remains on the struggle to treat mental disorders.
Institutions such as Dhaka University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, and the National Institute of Mental Health organised events, including seminars and processions, to observe the day. This year's theme is "Mental Health at Work: The Time to Prioritise is Now."
The National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital reports that 90% of patients treated there are adults, most of whom are functional and responsible workers.
Despite their dedication, they struggle with mental health issues due to lack of recognition at work, excessive stress, and overwork.
An analysis of hospital data from the first nine months of 2024 (January-September) revealed that most patients suffer from depression and anxiety disorders.
Other common diagnoses include somatic symptom disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, and other psychotic conditions.
So far this year, 74,744 people have received treatment at the National Mental Health Institute and Hospital. Of them, 6,658 are children and adolescents, representing 10% of the total.
Most young patients suffer from conduct disorders or behavioural problems.
Experts point to several causes of workplace depression, including overwork, low pay, job insecurity, co-worker conflicts, poverty, and the fear of losing social status.
One in five workers experience mental health issues at work, with 80% of them losing their jobs due to severe mental illness.
These individuals often struggle with absenteeism, decreased performance, difficulty concentrating, delayed decision-making, and memory problems.
Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed of the National Institute of Mental Health emphasised that in the developed world, 10% of workers at every workplace are unable to perform their duties properly due to depression, leading to the loss of an average of 36 working days per year.
Unfortunately, 50% of those affected do not seek medical care, often out of fear of losing their jobs if they disclose their mental health struggles.
Dr Nahid Afsana Zaman from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) highlighted that 92% of adults and 94.3% of children and adolescents with mental health issues are not receiving the treatment they need.
On average, there is a 24-36 month delay in seeking treatment, which can worsen the condition and further hinder recovery.