“My mother passed away before my eyes. There was violence in my house when I was growing up. My father killed my mother. I witnessed the whole incident. I was two years old then. While some may believe that people can’t recall events from their early years, that’s not entirely true. I still carry the memories of that painful moment with me,” said Arsha* (13).
Children depend on their families for a sense of safety and security. When they grow up in unstable households, like Arsha’s, where they experience trauma and witness violence, they are at increased risk of long-term mental distress that can affect their ability to live a happy and fulfilled life.
Across the world, awareness of mental health is only just growing. In many societies, including Bangladesh, mental health is still stigmatised, and people are often expected to “brave it out” instead of seeking support.
According to UNICEF (2021), around 14% of adolescents and 19% of children in Bangladesh experienced emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the National Mental Health Survey (2018-2019) found that fewer than 2% of adolescents accessed mental health services.
Stigma remains a major barrier, often discouraging open conversation, spreading misinformation, and fostering fear.
From mental health anxiety to mental health autonomy
Arsha came to SOS Children’s Village in Bangladesh at just two years old, after her mother was murdered and her father incarcerated. She had to learn to live without both parents.
Initially, Arsha’s development indicators were normal. However, as she got older, her trauma resurfaced, disrupting her daily life.
“When she was seven years old, I noticed the first signs of her troubles. She would toss and turn the whole night and be unable to sleep. The next day she would be unable to go to school or attend school as she would be irritable and groggy.” shares Arsha’s caregiver, who’s been with her through her struggles.
“She could not behave normally at such times with her siblings or classmates and would pick up fights. One time she bit a classmate and I had to rush to school to pick her up.”
As an adolescent, Arsha began lagging in her regular activities. She became anxious, restless, and plagued by recurrent nightmares that left her sweating and shouting at night. Her teachers and caregivers noticed frequent temper tantrums and destructive behaviour, and she struggled to maintain her studies and domestic responsibilities.
Fortunately, Arsha was surrounded by caregivers trained in mental health support, who understood that her behaviour was a symptom of trauma.
Learning to take back control
Arsha was first referred to the village counsellor, trained in mental health and psychological support services, who then referred her to a psychiatrist. Therapy sessions became a safe space for her to express her fears and worries. The counsellor also guided her caregivers on how to support her recovery. Gradually, through therapy, Arsha began to process her childhood trauma and rebuild trust in people and the world. She learned about the mind-body connection, understanding how her mental health challenges were also affecting her physical wellbeing.
Arsha has been attending regular counselling sessions and taking medication. Initially, she needed frequent sessions, but with the support of SOS Children’s Villages, her caregiver, counsellor, and friends, she now has more control over her healing, and her appointments have become less frequent. Her experience taught those around her that seeking help and talking about mental health are acts of courage, not weakness.
“My sister has suffered a lot and is now doing better. We are all with her in her difficulties. She has become an inspiration on how to deal with mental health.
“At one point I was going through something that seemed so troubling that it was bringing me down, that’s when I felt I must talk to someone, just like my sister did. It is so human to feel overwhelmed and ask for help,” shares Saba, Arsha’s sibling.
Abu, Arsha’s regular therapist, adds, “Arsha has understood that mental wellness is an ongoing journey that requires self-compassion and resilience. She has also realised that sharing her experiences of seeking support could help others who might be facing similar struggles.”
Supporting children’s mental health in Bangladesh and beyond
SOS Children’s Villages recognises the growing mental health challenges faced by children and young people. Since 2021, SOS Children’s Villages Bangladesh alone has offered counselling to 195 individuals and 246 groups, alongside 129 workshops and training sessions to equip children, caregivers, and community members with skills to manage stress and build healthier relationships.
“With the focus on creating safe spaces, providing counselling services, and promoting emotional well-being, the programs aim to enhance the resilience and coping skills of children, caregivers, and community, especially those who have faced trauma, displacement, or other adverse circumstances,” shares Tanusri Bose Soma, Mental Health Coordinator at SOS Children’s Village Khulna.
Ultimately, the goal is to reduce stigma so that everyone can access mental health care and live a healthy, fulfilled life.
*Names changed to protect the identities of children and young people.