Mental Health in Bangladesh

Mental and substance use disorders, and neurological conditions contribute substantially to the global burden of disease. In 2015, mental and substance abuse disorders accounted for 6% of years of life lost and years lost due to disability, worldwide. Depression is the leading cause of disability globally.¹ The top twenty leading causes of disability also include anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, autism and asperger syndrome, alzheimer disease and other dementias, and drug use.

In Bangladesh, over 6 million people experience depressive disorders and almost 7 million people have anxiety disorders.² It is estimated that more than 10 000 people are dying by suicide in the country.³ Among students aged 13-17 in Bangladesh, 4% of boys and 6% of girls consider attempting suicide.⁴