Special attention should be paid to ensure the mental health

November 18, 2024

Development - Provincial

Special attention should be paid to ensure the mental health ^Featured

June 11, 2016

Special attention should be paid to ensure the psychological well-being of Sri Lankans and the people should be given required mental strength to fight with excessive stress they face during day-to-day life, Minister of Health Dr.Rajitha Senaratne said.

According to Dr. Senaratne, one in every 10 Sri Lankans suffer from a mental disorder, but, only 20 percent of the mental patients seek medical treatment increasing the cases of mental disorders in the country. “War and Tsunami were two main reasons for this trend,” he said.

“According to a WHO Report, Sri Lanka stands fourth in the world ranking in terms of suicide,” he said addressing a ceremony held in Colombo recently.

Minister Senaratne pointed out that 28.8 persons for every 100,000 Sri Lankans commit suicide and the world percentage is 11 percent. “Fifty percent of Sri Lankans consume alcohol. The use of alcohol is one of the main reasons for low level of mental health fitness,” he added.

Last modified on Saturday, 11 June 2016 17:20