About 30% of Sri Lankan adults suffer from mental health issues: Expert

Those suffering are elderly persons aged 60 or 65 and above 

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

Nearly 30 per cent of Sri Lanka’s adult population is affected by mental health problems, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr Madhushani Dias said. 

Addressing aprogramme held in Colombo yesterday, Dr Dias said a significant proportion of those suffering from mental health issues are elderly persons aged 60 or 65 and above. 

She noted that Sri Lanka’s elderly population is increasing rapidly, but social awareness regarding mental health problems faced by older adults remains low, leading to a range of challenges. Dr Dias said many psychological symptoms associated with ageing are often dismissed as normal due to myths and misconceptions. 

As a result, conditions such as forgetfulness and depression are frequently ignored by elderly people and those around them. 

She warned that the growing prevalence of mental health issues among senior citizens is having a serious impact on their quality of life and is also contributing to an increase in physical health complications.