On World Mental Health Day, the Department of Psychiatry, SNM Hospital, Leh highlighted the growing concern of the mental health problems, including depression, drug addiction, and suicides in the Ladakh region.

The day themed, ‘Mental Health for All Greater Investment Greater Access’ was observed by the Health Department under the National Mental Health Programme, UT Ladakh on October 10 at DC Office Conference Hall.

The first report on the substance use scenario in Leh district compiled by the Department of Psychiatry, SNM Hospital, Leh-Ladakh was also released.

World Mental Health Day is observed with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

Dr. Padma Angmo, (MD Psychiatry) Psychiatrist and State nodal officer, National Mental Health Program UT Ladakh highlighted the rising cases of mental health. She said that the region is witnessing increasing cases of substance use disorder over the last few years which is not just limited to alcohol or tobacco but drugs like opioids, cannabis, etc.

She stressed the timely intervention at all levels be it, family members, to the stakeholders like health, education social welfare, and police departments, NGO’s and religious organisations to control the menace of drugs.

Dr. Padma informed that 825 new cases of mental health and 2556 new and follow up cases were recorded in Psychiatry and de-addiction OPD, SNM hospital since March 2018-September 2020.

Distribution of the patients according to the clinical diagnosis:

                                                                               Distribution of the patients according to the substance abuse in Leh:

Talking about the way forward, Dr. Padma recommended a detailed, well-planned epidemiological study of the prevalence, need of de-addiction policy, restriction on supply, strict implementation of laws,  awareness, training the grass-root level health workers, involving local association, societies, and religious organisation.

Many of the mental health cases go unreported in the region reason being less awareness, ignorance, and stigmatization. Stigmatization is a major concern because many people see mental health issues as something to be embarrassed or ashamed of.  Many consider people suffering from mental health issues as abnormal, violent, and weak. Thus, many steps back to support and help them. 

Dr. Phuntsog Angchuk, Director Health informed about the plans of establishing de-addiction center in both Leh and Kargil district. He shared the concerns of rising mental health issues in Ladakh.

Rajiv Pandey, SSP, Leh expressed his concern over the rising substance abuse case in the region and stressed on having corrective measures.  He said that the responsibility lies on everyone to curb the issues.

He spoke about the enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 and assured all support from the Police department to curb the issue.

District Legal Service Authority, Religious heads, and others also shared their opinions.

The increasing case of mental health issues because of the COVID-19 pandemic was also highlighted.