Consultant Psychiatrist at the Galle National Hospital, Dr. Rumi Ruben, has cautioned that the ongoing hot weather linked to El Niño is contributing to a rise in reported cases of mental illness.

He explained that prolonged exposure to the sun increases body heat, which can affect mental wellbeing. 

Scientific studies show that such conditions heighten anger, lower tolerance levels, and foster a confrontational attitude. These effects, he noted, can escalate into serious psychological problems.

Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, while motorists may experience road rage, and households could see an increase in domestic violence. 

Dr. Ruben stressed that hot weather can also worsen the mental state of those already diagnosed with psychiatric conditions.

He advised the public to reduce exposure to direct sunlight and to consume more water as practical measures to mitigate the risks. (Newswire)

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Nearly 1.2 billion people worldwide were living with mental disorders in 2023, reflecting a 95.5% increase since 1990, according to a new study published in the journal The Lancet.

According to a report by CNN, the largest increases were seen in anxiety and depression, which were also the most common disorders last year. Anxiety cases rose by 158%, while depression increased by 131% compared with 1990. A residual category of personality disorders ranked third.

Researchers analyzed data from the 2023 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study (GBD), covering 204 countries and territories. The study highlighted differences in prevalence by age, sex, location, and socioeconomic status, warning that the world may be entering “an even more concerning phase of worsening mental disorder burden globally.”

Other disorders measured included bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anorexia, bulimia, dysthymia, conduct disorder, and developmental intellectual disability of unknown causes. While anorexia, bulimia, and schizophrenia were the least common, they still affected millions, with roughly 4 million, 14 million, and 26 million cases, respectively, in 2023.

The study also underscored the impact of the Covid‑19 pandemic, noting that depression surged during the crisis and has not returned to pre‑pandemic levels, while anxiety peaked and remained high through 2023.

Mental disorders are now a leading cause of disability globally, with females and people aged 15 to 39 most affected. For the first time in GBD history, the peak burden was recorded among 15‑ to 19‑year‑olds, shifting from the middle‑age peak seen in previous decades.

The GBD study, led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington and funded primarily by the Gates Foundation, is the largest and most comprehensive effort to measure health trends worldwide. (Newswire/ CNN)

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Sri Lankan musical artist, Mihindu Ariyaratne has released a new track, “අළු මතින්”, which shares a strong message on the impact on mental health due to social pressure.

Mihindu Ariyaratne is no stranger to creating music that pushes boundaries and sparks conversation. Following his recognition at the 2023 Derana Music Video Awards—where he won Best Concept and Best Sri Lankan Rock Music Video—Mihindu is back with a new track, “අළු මතින්.” This latest release, featuring MasterD, dives into themes that resonate deeply in today’s society, blending art with a message.

The song gently touches on the emotional weight carried by individuals dealing with social pressure and cyberbullying, hinting at the subtle yet destructive effects such experiences can have on mental well-being. The haunting melodies and poetic lyrics crafted by Yashodha Adhikari, paired with Pasindu Weerasinghe’s evocative music, create a powerful backdrop for a narrative that speaks to resilience and recovery.

The video, directed and designed by Nimna Dewpura, reflects these themes without being too direct, leaving space for interpretation. It suggests how acts of kindness, empathy, and self-discovery can shift the course of someone’s life. Through careful storytelling and striking visuals, the video alludes to the realities of mental health struggles, making space for conversations that need to happen.

Projects like “අළු මතින්” are deemed crucial, as suicide rates among young people are on the rise in Sri Lanka. They open doors to dialogue around mental health, bullying, and recovery, especially in an environment where these conversations are often stifled by stigma. This work reminds us that support systems and human connection are vital in helping individuals navigate their darkest moments.

Through “අළු මතින්,” Mihindu continues to push the envelope, using his art to foster understanding and inspire change. His track record of innovative storytelling, combined with this socially conscious piece, further cements his role as a leading voice in Sri Lanka’s music scene. (Newswire)

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