75% of July movement eye injury patients enduring depression: Survey
Of them, 27.3% struggling with severe depression
Nearly 75% of the patients undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology (NIO), who had sustained injuries in their eyes during the July-August uprising are currently suffering from depression, finds a recent survey.
Dr Muntasir Maruf, associate professor at the National Institute of Mental Health, presented the findings at a workshop at the National Institute of Ophthalmology today (11 December).
The survey was conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health among 55 male patients to assess their mental health.
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During the survey, almost three-quarters, or 74.5% of the patients exhibited symptoms of depression, with over one-fourth, or 27.3%, experiencing it at a severe level.
In addition, 54.5% of the patients showed symptoms of mild to very severe anxiety, while 58.2% exhibited signs of stress or mental strain.
Participants in the survey included patients with loss of vision in one eye and those visually impaired. Among them are students and people from other professions.
At the workshop, organisers said to provide mental health care to the people who were injured or affected during the July movement, two 10-bed wards have been arranged at the National Institute of Mental Health. Counselling or psychotherapy services are available free of costs during office hours every day except public holidays.
Currently, a total of 60 patients with eye injuries sustained during the July uprising are undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Ophthalmology.
