Community Emotional Intelligence Network to Address Mental Health Among Coastal Bangladeshis

Mental health is a crucial aspect of human health that can influence any health-related decision and behavior. Still, mental health issues are neglected in Bangladesh. The burden of mental health disorders is rising. Around 19% of adults and 13% of children are identified as having at least one mental disorder with only about 1.6 psychiatrics per 1 million people. The number of nurses, psychologists, and health facilities are also insufficient and mostly centered around major cities. Coastal areas are often left behind in terms of health and preventive services. Around 35 million residents of the south-west coastal region of Bangladesh suffer from severe mental health stress because of frequent natural disasters, displacement, and migration. The mental health of coastal residents is jeopardized further by social stigma and non-cooperation, necessitating community-based psychosocial intervention in this area.