Mental health disorders skyrocket in Türkiye: Is this the tip of the iceberg?

Psychiatry specialist Dr. Dilek Yesilbas warns that over 15 million people in Türkiye have been diagnosed with mental health disorders, emphasizing that this is only “the tip of the iceberg.”

According to Dr. Yesilbas, mental illnesses are the second most common health condition in Türkiye, based on health care expenditures and the prevalence of diseases. She stated, “It is estimated that over 15 million people in our country have been diagnosed with mental health disorders. This number reflects only the visible part of the iceberg, and I’ve observed a significant increase in recent years.”

The most common conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and bipolar disorder.

Women seek help most

Dr. Yesilbas also highlighted that women are more likely to seek professional support compared to men. “Many men don’t pursue treatment until the situation becomes unbearable. A large number of people with severe mental health issues never consult a doctor,” she said.

“I believe the main reason is the denial of mental illness or approaching the issue with prejudice. Some people incorrectly attribute mental health problems to a lack of faith, weakness, vulnerability, or personal failure, failing to recognize them as legitimate illnesses. Unlike physical conditions such as stomach ulcers, diabetes, or hypertension, mental health issues aren’t as easily accepted.”

Hidden psychological causes of chronic pain

Dr. Yesilbas advised that unexplained, long-lasting physical symptoms may have psychological origins. “Many patients suffering from mental health disorders endure chronic pains, such as fibromyalgia, psoriasis, eczema, chronic urticaria, persistent constipation or diarrhea, palpitations, fear of death, heart attack anxieties, and stiffness in their back, neck, and shoulders. These individuals often find themselves shuttling between different clinics, trying to address these ailments.”

This growing concern about mental health highlights the importance of recognizing mental illnesses as real and treatable, much like any other medical condition.