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Econ woes exacerbate mental health crisis

13 Sep 2022

  • Karapitiya Psych Hospital records 30% hike in patients
  • SLCP launches new public help website 
BY Dinitha Rathnayake    Sri Lanka's economic crisis is leading to a significant rise in mental health issues, according to experts. Speaking to The Morning, Karapitiya Teaching Hospital Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Rumi Ruben said that the current crisis has led to significant psychological distress and despair among children, adolescents, and youth. “There is an increase of 30% of patients who visit us for treatments. Mainly, they are school children aged eight to 18 years. This is mainly due to the continued interruption of education. Some are addicted to electronic devices, which could harm their brain development.” However, the country’s child and adolescent mental health services are primarily hospital based, and there are less than 10 child and adolescent psychiatrists practising in the country. “Problems with fuel and the prices of food have also increased. They are worried about what’s going to happen tomorrow.” Meanwhile, according to reports, nearly one in three parents in Sri Lanka have noticed negative changes in their children’s behaviour in the last six months as the country headed into economic collapse, according to a Save the Children survey conducted in June 2022. The survey, conducted over 2,300 families across nine districts, also found that nearly three out of four households had to spend more time with their children in order to accommodate their emotional and mental health needs with children showing signs of distress and withdrawal. Soaring inflation, daily power cuts, and shortages of fuel, food, and medicine have stretched families beyond their ability to cope. The economic stress on families has triggered one in 10 children to lose their appetite, and show more signs of aggression. The Save the Children survey also found that one in five children experienced changes in their sleep patterns, had difficulty regulating their emotions, showed violence towards others, or wet their beds. Meanwhile, as support for the public, a new website has been launched by the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists (SLCP) named slcpsych.lk, with easy access through mobile phone or computer.  “There is a special section dedicated to public education, articles on psychiatric illnesses, mental health issues, psychology for everyday life, and In addition, there are short videos which are helpful for the public which give information on relaxation methods, self help, medication and a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Ruben added.  

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