However, these estimates could be inaccurate according to experts as only 20% of patients seek treatment. Many thought that they were only tired or the conditions are light and don’t pay much attention to their mental health.
Others think that mental problems may affect their relationships so they decide to hide the problem. Several people are also confused about their symptoms and may seek the wrong treatments.
Changing habits or environment can also cause stress. The symptoms include headaches, backaches, increased heart rate or high blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to stress will lead to depression which accounts for 35% of all mental disorder cases.
The patients lack enthusiasm, concentration and face a deteriorating physical health from sleeping and eating disorders. Stress is considered a silent killer as it can badly affect the body’s organs and may even lead to cancer.
However, Vietnam is lacking mental health resources. Trinh Tat Thang, director of HCM City Mental Health Hospital, said that the number of out and in-patients increase by 10-15% annually.
Despite the increasing number of patients, HCM City Mental Health Hospital only has 500 beds and 61 doctors. The average number of beds to patients ratio in HCM City is 0.07 per 1,000 people. This ratio is 0.2 per 1,000 nation-wide and 0.5-1.5 per 1,000 worldwide. In April, the HCM City Department of Health has been tasked with addressing the issue.