Chronic Stress and Poverty: What Leads to Mental Health Issues

Яна Орехова Local news
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The mental health of the population is deteriorating under the influence of many factors. This was reported by Nurgul Ibraeva, head of the primary healthcare department of the Ministry of Health, at a recent press conference.

According to her, studies show that factors such as chronic stress, poverty, financial instability, migration, separation from loved ones, domestic violence, alcoholism (especially among men), the consequences of trauma, bullying in adolescence, as well as loneliness, stigmatization, and delayed medical assistance contribute to the development of mental disorders.

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A psychiatrist from Family Medicine Center No. 6, Boris Li, added that there are no universal signs of mental disorders, as they can manifest in very diverse ways. For example, depression is characterized by symptoms such as loss of interest in life, decreased social activity, persistent bad mood, as well as feelings of helplessness and worthlessness.

According to the World Health Organization, young people and middle-aged individuals are more likely to experience depression and anxiety disorders, while older adults predominantly face dementia and cognitive impairments.

In September 2025, Erkin Checheybaev, former Minister of Health, pointed out that about 11% of the population of Kyrgyzstan suffers from various mental disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and suicide risks, as well as addictions such as alcoholism and drug addiction.

In this regard, a national mental health strategy is being developed for the first time in the country. At the primary level of medical services, multidisciplinary teams consisting of a family doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, and community nurse will be established.
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