Dhaka: Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder today underscored the importance of raising awareness among the general public and policymakers to overcome ignorance, the main obstacle to accessing mental health services. "We have to create awareness among the people to encourage them to get mental health services," he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Podder was addressing a seminar as the chief guest marking the Global Mental Health Day organized by the Department of Psychiatry of Bangladesh Medical University at its Dr. Milon Hall. The Adviser emphasized that common people, who may initially be reluctant to seek treatment, will show willingness once they understand the necessity of mental health services.
Dr. Podder highlighted that there is a negative mindset about mental health and services even among educated people, noting that family members of many physicians suffer from mental health problems but do not seek required treatment. He stressed the need for awareness creation among policymakers alongside the general public.
In an effort to enhance mental health services, Dr. Podder announced the introduction of mental health services at schools. The seminar was presided over by Prof DMMA Salauddin, a teacher at the Department of Psychiatry of Bangladesh Medical University.
Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists Secretary General Prof Dr Nizam Uddin and Director of the National Institute of Mental Health Prof Dr Mahbubur Rahman also spoke on the occasion as special guests.