In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition that mental health issues like depression and anxiety often go undetected, particularly in parts of the world where access to healthcare services is limited. A study focusing on women in Bangladesh and Nepal brought this issue into sharp relief, revealing alarming rates of undiagnosed depressive and anxiety disorders among these populations. This unrecognized mental health crisis sheds light on a broader challenge people face in many low-resource settings: how to help someone with depression when societal and systemic barriers are so significant.
The study surveyed nearly 20,000 women in Bangladesh and over 7,000 women in Nepal, aged between 15 and 49. The findings showed that 44.8% of Bangladeshi women and 60% of Nepali women who exhibited symptoms of depression and anxiety were living with these conditions undiagnosed. The numbers are staggering and suggest that a large segment of the female population in these countries has slipped through the cracks of the healthcare system.
Several factors contribute to this undiagnosed prevalence. In Bangladesh, women who were divorced, separated, or widowed were more likely to have undiagnosed disorders. This might be due to the increased stress and isolation faced by these groups without adequate social support. Additionally, barriers such as needing permission to visit health care facilities make it difficult for many women to seek help, showing that assistance can’t simply be about availability but also about accessibility.
On the flip side, having a secondary or higher education appeared to decrease the likelihood of women in Bangladesh being undiagnosed, suggesting that education might empower women to seek help or be more aware of the signs and symptoms of depression. In Nepal, economic status and ethnicity played a significant role; women from poorer backgrounds or belonging to certain ethnic groups like Dalits and Janajatis were at a higher risk of having undiagnosed conditions. The study also pointed out that age played a protective role in Nepal, with older women being less likely to have undiagnosed disorders.
Addressing these issues involves more than just adding more mental health services. It’s about creating an environment where people can easily access these services. For instance, integrating mental health screenings into other healthcare programs, such as cervical cancer screenings, could be a practical approach. This could ensure that more women are reached without the stigma of separately seeking mental health services.
To tackle this issue globally, it’s crucial that we spread awareness about natural remedies for depression and create community-based support systems. Not everyone will have access to traditional therapy, but community groups can provide support networks where women can share experiences and learn more about mental health. Furthermore, utilizing digital platforms to educate people about the side effects of depression medication and the importance of therapeutic interventions can bridge the knowledge gap.
The societal stigma attached to mental health problems is another colossal barrier that needs to be overcome. Public education campaigns could play a pivotal role in altering perceptions and encouraging people to come forward for support. Social media campaigns and workshops at schools or community centers can be effective in educating people about the importance of mental health, helping those who suffer to feel less isolated, and more comfortable seeking help.
For those communities and individuals who recognize these issues, grassroots efforts might provide immediate, helpful interventions. Offering workshops, training local leaders, and making mental healthcare resources available at primary healthcare facilities are steps that could lead to more women receiving the necessary diagnoses and treatments. Medical professionals and policymakers need to collaborate to ensure these resources are tailored to the social and cultural fabrics of these communities.
With concerted effort, it’s possible to improve the mental health landscape for women in low-resource countries like Bangladesh and Nepal. As the conversation continues at both local and international levels, we must remain committed to creating pathways for women to receive the care and support they need, breaking down barriers that keep mental health issues hidden in the shadows.
International Journal of Mental Health Systems
10.1186/s13033-025-00677-7
