Social and economic changes are pushing people to work harder for a better life, and those who achieve their goals are likely to be happy.
The flipside is that those who fail may encounter mental problems.
Dr Bounhom Kanthavong examines a woman suffering from a mental disorder in a rural community.
Today, the demand for mental health counselling from psychologists is increasing as life becomes ever more competitive and stressful.
The Mental Health Ward at Mahosot Hospital is one place which provides mental health services. It can accommodate 15 patients overnight, and has staff to service 20 outpatients every day. Psychologists say the growing number of people with financial problems is a new challenge for them.
Mahosot Hospital’s Mental Health Ward Deputy Head, Dr Bounhom Kanthavong, said it is necessary to address mental health problems in light of Laos’ changing economic situation.
“The changing economic environment means more city dwellers are forced into a competitive situation in their everyday lives and are under increasing pressure to provide more in the way of material wealth for their families. Now we’re seeing news on the television about people in other countries who self-harm because of financial problems, or because of personal issues. This trend is on the increase. For this reason, we need specific measures to deal with this problem,” Dr Bounhoum said.
That aside, even those without financial problems are still likely to face mental or social difficulties.
Dr Bounhom said Laos is lucky to have the Mental Health Centre to help those in need. However, it is necessary to train more staff to help the growing number of people needing treatment.
“While a large number of students take courses in mental health each year, most take up work in other sectors. I believe this is because caring for the mentally ill is a tough job. A lot of people are put off because they know they will encounter patients shouting abuse at them,” he said.
“Right now there are only three experts working on the ward; we need more staff who really love this work and are prepared to help the people in their care.
“Although a new centre will be built, health education and grassroots mental health services in local communities needs to be extended. Some people need medical workers on hand in their community. Some people with mental problems don’t want to communicate with anyone and isolate themselves by hiding away outside their village. They live in the forest and only come out after dark.”
Psychologists believe that 0.5 to 1 percent of the population have mental health problems. This figure is consistent across every country worldwide.
Dr Bounhom said that while every village he’s visited had people with mental health problems, some suffered more than others because they weren’t getting the right treatment. In rural areas, people still believe their children become mentally ill or go mad because they have offended the spirits in some way.
“It is vital to educate the general public to change ingrained beliefs about mental illness,” he said.
Xayxana Leukai