Page 246 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

increase in urbanisation, Sri Lanka stands out as having a significantly higher

rate of mental disorders. This outcome can be linked to a history of terrorism
and natural calamities that have had a lasting effect on the population's mental

health. The stress and trauma brought on by these occurrences undoubtedly

have a significant role in the reported rise in mental diseases. In contrast, India,
Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh exhibit negative

coefficients, suggesting that the prevalence of mental diseases tends to decline
as urbanisation rises. Pakistan has the most notable negative coefficient, which

indicates that as urbanisation increases, mental problems have significantly

decreased. This might be a result of increasing awareness and easier access to
mental health care.

Addressing mental health challenges in SAARC countries requires a holistic

approach that considers cultural, social, and economic factors while
prioritizing accessibility, awareness, and quality of care. Policymakers should

promote mental health awareness, increase access to mental health services,

provide cultural competency training for mental health professionals, support
community-based initiatives, develop gender-specific programmes, encourage

family-centered care, implement workplace mental health programmes, and

implement mental health legislation. Research and data collection should be
invested to better understand the prevalence and determinants of mental health

issues within different cultural and demographic groups in SAARC.
International collaboration with international organizations and mental health

experts can access best practices, technical assistance, and funding for mental
health initiatives. Telehealth and e-mental health services should be explored
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