Mental health problems have increased fivefold in ten years: Minister Qila

Health, Family and Social Support Minister Qila Ali has stated that mental health programs need to be increased in the Maldives. The Minister made the remarks while addressing the audience at the inauguration ceremony of EPS Foundation's Shield and Shine Mental Wellbeing Project. The project aims to provide health support to those suffering from mental illnesses, create wellness ambassadors, and raise awareness among parents and family members to identify those in difficulty as quickly as possible. Minister Qila highlighted that according to IGMH Hospital records, mental health problems among the youth population have increased fivefold between 2015 and 2024. He also shared statistics that 58.9 percent of students in higher education stages exhibit moderate to high levels of anxiety, 28.9 percent suffer from depression, and 28.3 percent cannot manage stress. The minister noted that various factors in different environments and online often lead to anxiety and other mental illnesses. "Looking at these mentioned issues, it appears to be a frightening and regrettable scene. It is evident that we must take immediate action by implementing strict measures and establishing important policies to run awareness projects like those by EPS Foundation and other entities," Minister Qila said. The EPS Foundation's Shield and Shine Mental Wellbeing Project was piloted in Addu City, Hithadhoo, and Maradho-Feydhoo and is planned to run for one year. The project is developed in collaboration with the Psychology Department of Eve Clinic. The foundation stated that wellness ambassadors trained under the project will not diagnose illnesses but will assist those showing signs of mental health issues and help them access healthcare services.