Issue, 15, Mental Health, published on April 2003.

Mental Health

Cambodia's tragic history has “wounded” the minds of many Cambodians. Hardships of daily life such as poverty, family problems, the death of a loved one, also affect their mental health. Some people can cope with the difficulties but others cannot and suffer from mental disorders. Further aggravating the situation, mental problems may pass from one generation to another; parents with mental disorders tend to pass them to their children who learn by taking them as models. Many patients consulting at primary health care level with physical symptoms are in fact suffering from mental problems.

By lack of awareness, fear or mistrust, most will not talk about their feelings and emotions. On the other hand, most health staff do not have the basic knowledge on mental health to recognize mental illnesses.
Patients visit many doctors or healers and never receive the right care; many cases become severe and/or chronic.

Last, mental disorders are the causes of many social problems: alcoholism, domestic violence and family conflicts.

Therefore, to educate and raise awareness on mental health and the development of mental health services are of critical importance, not only for the health but for the social and economic well being of Cambodian people as well.
This issue should bring to the readers a basic knowledge and a better understanding of mental health and mental illness.