Child and adolescent mental health is turning into a rising issue in SL

• One in three families saw changes in mental health during and after the economic crisis

By Huzefa Aliasger

With recent events questioning education on mental health amongst youngsters, Sri Lanka continues to face challenges regarding mental wellbeing, according to a survey by an international NGO.   A survey conducted by Save the Children on June 22 , this year states that one in three families saw changes in mental health during and after the economic crisis. 

The survey was conducted with 2,300 families across nine Districts in Sri Lanka, which also mentioned three out of four households had to spend more time with their children to accommodate their emotional and mental health needs with children showing signs of distress and withdrawal.  The survey also mentioned 22.1 per cent of families noticed their children either experienced changes in emotional regulation, changes in sleep patterns, unusual crying and screaming, showing violence towards others.  

The International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) also mentions at present, the child and adolescent psychiatrist ratio to child and adolescent population is estimated at 0.13 child psychiatrists to 100,000 population (0 – 19 years).   The IACAPAP also says only two percent of undergraduates desired psychiatry which is far below the West