In 2025, Kyrgyzstan faced a horrifying statistic: 101 cases of voluntary departure from life among children and adolescents. The data was presented by Boris Li, a psychiatrist from the capital's Center for Mental Health No. 6, at a press conference in Sputnik Kyrgyzstan. In his opinion, one of the main reasons for this phenomenon is information overload, which negatively affects the emotional state of both youth and adults.
Li emphasized that many tragedies occur because mental health issues are ignored in the early stages. There is still a stigma in society surrounding seeking psychological help: even if parents notice changes in their child's behavior, they often fear consulting a psychiatrist, worried about judgment or being "registered." The psychiatrist noted that such concerns are outdated, as modern medicine in Kyrgyzstan employs new approaches, and timely assistance can prevent the development of serious conditions.
The specialist paid particular attention to the influence of social media and the constant flow of information. Distressing content depletes mental resources, leaving no time for recovery. For children, this can lead to feelings of loneliness and insecurity. Li compared untreated mental disorders to gastritis: if timely treatment is not initiated, it can develop into the "oncology" of the soul.
In addition to human losses, there is also a significant economic aspect to the problem. According to experts, due to the decrease in the workforce caused by mental disorders, Kyrgyzstan loses approximately 0.4% of its annual GDP. Despite the serious threat, the republic faces a shortage of qualified mental health specialists, and funding for this sector remains low. In such conditions, experts urge citizens to take care of their "information hygiene" and not to postpone a visit to the doctor at the first signs of anxiety.
