Somalia has been described as having one of the world's highest rates of mental illness, with one in three Somalis meeting the diagnostic threshold for some form of mental illness. [1] This has been attributed to the ongoing Somali Civil War, political instability, and natural disasters. [1] Despite the high prevalence of mental illness among the Somali population, mental health services are almost non-existent in Somalia. [2]
During the colonial period, several psychiatric facilities were built. [1]
In recent history, mental health services have consistently been neglected by government-run healthcare facilities. The Somali government spends less than 1% of its health budget on mental health services. [1] There are currently 0.5 psychiatric beds for every 100,000 people in Somalia's hospitals. [1]
In Somalia, mental illness is often attributed to causes such as spirit possession, witchcraft and evil eye. As a result, treatment may include exorcism and reciting verses from the Quran. [1]
Individuals with serious mental health problems are often kept in chains. [3]
Despite having one of the highest rates of mental illness in the world, Somalia's suicide rate is lower than the global average. [1] It has been found that suicide and self-harm are more prevalent among Somali males than females. [1]
Somalia has been described as having one of the world's highest rates of mental illness, with one in three Somalis meeting the diagnostic threshold for some form of mental illness. [1] This has been attributed to the ongoing Somali Civil War, political instability, and natural disasters. [1] Despite the high prevalence of mental illness among the Somali population, mental health services are almost non-existent in Somalia. [2]
During the colonial period, several psychiatric facilities were built. [1]
In recent history, mental health services have consistently been neglected by government-run healthcare facilities. The Somali government spends less than 1% of its health budget on mental health services. [1] There are currently 0.5 psychiatric beds for every 100,000 people in Somalia's hospitals. [1]
In Somalia, mental illness is often attributed to causes such as spirit possession, witchcraft and evil eye. As a result, treatment may include exorcism and reciting verses from the Quran. [1]
Individuals with serious mental health problems are often kept in chains. [3]
Despite having one of the highest rates of mental illness in the world, Somalia's suicide rate is lower than the global average. [1] It has been found that suicide and self-harm are more prevalent among Somali males than females. [1]