The concerning state of mental health in Turkey

Mental health is a serious issue in Turkey, with a significant portion of the population suffering from various mental disorders. According to a 2020 survey by the World Health Organization, nearly one in five adults in Turkey (18.2%) experience mental health problems in any given year. This is significantly higher than the global average of 13.9%.
The most common mental health problems in Turkey are anxiety disorders (13.3%), depressive disorders (7.4%), and substance use disorders (3.8%). Other common problems include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rates of mental health problems in Turkey. These include:

• Economic hardship: Turkey has been struggling with economic problems for many years, including high inflation and unemployment. This has led to increased stress and anxiety among the population.
• Political instability: Turkey has been a politically unstable country for many years, with frequent changes in government and periods of violence. This has created a climate of fear and uncertainty that can take a toll on mental health.
• Social stigma: There is a strong social stigma associated with mental health problems in Turkey. This can prevent people from seeking help for their problems, which can lead to them becoming more severe.
• Lack of access to care: There is a lack of access to mental health care in Turkey, especially in rural areas. This means that many people who need help are unable to get it.

The Turkish government has taken some steps to address the issue of mental health. In 2017, the government launched a new mental health action plan, which aims to improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems. However, more needs to be done to address this serious issue.
What can be done to improve mental health in Turkey?
There are a number of things that can be done to improve mental health in Turkey, including:

• Increased investment in mental health care: The Turkish government needs to increase its investment in mental health care, both in terms of funding and infrastructure. This would allow for more people to access the care they need.
• Reduced stigma: The stigma associated with mental health problems needs to be reduced. This can be done through public education campaigns and by encouraging people to talk about their mental health problems.
• Improved training for healthcare professionals: Healthcare professionals need to be better trained to identify and treat mental health problems. This would ensure that people who need help are able to get it from qualified professionals.
• Increased awareness of mental health issues: There needs to be increased awareness of mental health issues among the general population. This would help people to understand that mental health problems are common and treatable.

Improving mental health in Turkey is a complex challenge, but it is one that can be overcome with the right investment and commitment. By taking steps to address the factors that contribute to mental health problems, the Turkish government can make a real difference in the lives of its citizens.