People have had to take the bus despite the fear of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they have had to scramble to get certain consumer items such as milk powder and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Just when we think the situation has never been worse, LPG sellers close their stores the day before the newest price hike, claiming that new stocks would come on the following day, and groceries demand that the people buy more stuff in order to be eligible to buy a packet of milk powder.
Perhaps, more than the pandemic, it is the economic and social hardships that were caused by the pandemic that weigh people down, and perhaps, now is a better time to talk about mental health, as almost everyone is fighting their psychological battles which have now been worsened by the pandemic. It is in such a context that World Mental Health Day, which fell on 10 October, came.
The truth, which some exaggerate and some play down, is that Sri Lankans are going through an exceedingly difficult and stressful time, like the citizens of most other pandemic-hit countries. Due to pandemic-induced economic factors, some of which do not even resonate with the common man, many employers have had to resort to pay cuts and layoffs, while the prices of essential goods, including food items, have gone through the roof, and informal sector employees have thus been left with no hope.
It is in such circumstances that the people feel the need for a helping hand more than before. According to worldwide studies, in a context where a considerable percentage of mental health services have been disrupted due to the pandemic and lockdowns, mental health issues such as substance use and abuse, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts have increased, mainly due to pandemic-related stress. The worst news is, even if those services were resumed, the pandemic and the social and economic issues it poses are likely to continue for years.
Whether Sri Lanka is ready to face this challenge is a question, in a context where mental health services are considered a “special” requirement to a great extent. For the most part, it is due to limited mental health services that it has become special. We cannot also forget the stigma surrounding the act of seeking mental health services. Also, since it is considered a special service, it is hardly a matter that is discussed in normal, day-to-day life.
According to some mental health experts The Morning has spoken to, the country’s economic situation affects the people’s mental health in more ways than one, and over the long run. They claim that in addition to the above-mentioned reasons, another reason Sri Lanka is giving less attention to the topic of mental health is owing to the people being socially and economically unable to make mental wellbeing a basic, normal need, as their other basic needs are yet to be fulfilled. Essentially, in the fight for what we think are basic needs, middle-income countries like Sri Lanka lack the understanding and resources to identify mental wellbeing as a necessity.
This situation has been explained by psychologist Abraham Harold Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a concept that focuses on different needs of humans including physiological needs, safety needs, love and social belonging-related needs, esteem-related needs, among other things). It basically says that if basic needs such as food, safety, belongingness, and relationships are fulfilled, the people will then start thinking beyond those needs. That is one of the reasons mental health is a normal topic in affluent, developed countries.
It is true that we cannot say that life was easy or perfect for Sri Lankans even before the pandemic. There was always a struggle. However, now, the fight for a better life or for mere survival has intensified, and the pandemic-economic challenges combination is a newer challenge.
To fight this challenge, we have to keep our cool, and the best way to do it, is making mental wellbeing a normal, day-to-day topic. It is a concern for everyone, so why should mental wellbeing be a luxury or a special need any longer?Talking about mental health
11 Oct 2021
Talking about mental health
11 Oct 2021
People have had to take the bus despite the fear of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, and they have had to scramble to get certain consumer items such as milk powder and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Just when we think the situation has never been worse, LPG sellers close their stores the day before the newest price hike, claiming that new stocks would come on the following day, and groceries demand that the people buy more stuff in order to be eligible to buy a packet of milk powder.
Perhaps, more than the pandemic, it is the economic and social hardships that were caused by the pandemic that weigh people down, and perhaps, now is a better time to talk about mental health, as almost everyone is fighting their psychological battles which have now been worsened by the pandemic. It is in such a context that World Mental Health Day, which fell on 10 October, came.
The truth, which some exaggerate and some play down, is that Sri Lankans are going through an exceedingly difficult and stressful time, like the citizens of most other pandemic-hit countries. Due to pandemic-induced economic factors, some of which do not even resonate with the common man, many employers have had to resort to pay cuts and layoffs, while the prices of essential goods, including food items, have gone through the roof, and informal sector employees have thus been left with no hope.
It is in such circumstances that the people feel the need for a helping hand more than before. According to worldwide studies, in a context where a considerable percentage of mental health services have been disrupted due to the pandemic and lockdowns, mental health issues such as substance use and abuse, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts have increased, mainly due to pandemic-related stress. The worst news is, even if those services were resumed, the pandemic and the social and economic issues it poses are likely to continue for years.
Whether Sri Lanka is ready to face this challenge is a question, in a context where mental health services are considered a “special” requirement to a great extent. For the most part, it is due to limited mental health services that it has become special. We cannot also forget the stigma surrounding the act of seeking mental health services. Also, since it is considered a special service, it is hardly a matter that is discussed in normal, day-to-day life.
According to some mental health experts The Morning has spoken to, the country’s economic situation affects the people’s mental health in more ways than one, and over the long run. They claim that in addition to the above-mentioned reasons, another reason Sri Lanka is giving less attention to the topic of mental health is owing to the people being socially and economically unable to make mental wellbeing a basic, normal need, as their other basic needs are yet to be fulfilled. Essentially, in the fight for what we think are basic needs, middle-income countries like Sri Lanka lack the understanding and resources to identify mental wellbeing as a necessity.
This situation has been explained by psychologist Abraham Harold Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (a concept that focuses on different needs of humans including physiological needs, safety needs, love and social belonging-related needs, esteem-related needs, among other things). It basically says that if basic needs such as food, safety, belongingness, and relationships are fulfilled, the people will then start thinking beyond those needs. That is one of the reasons mental health is a normal topic in affluent, developed countries.
It is true that we cannot say that life was easy or perfect for Sri Lankans even before the pandemic. There was always a struggle. However, now, the fight for a better life or for mere survival has intensified, and the pandemic-economic challenges combination is a newer challenge.
To fight this challenge, we have to keep our cool, and the best way to do it, is making mental wellbeing a normal, day-to-day topic. It is a concern for everyone, so why should mental wellbeing be a luxury or a special need any longer?Kapruka
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!