According to Ibraeva, research shows that factors such as chronic stress, poverty, financial instability, migration, separation from family, domestic violence, alcohol dependence (especially among men), the consequences of traumatic events, bullying among adolescents, loneliness, stigmatization, and delayed medical assistance significantly contribute to the emergence of mental disorders.
Boris Li, a psychiatrist from Family Medical Center No. 6, added that there are no universal symptoms of mental disorders, as they can manifest in various ways. For example, depression is characterized by a loss of interest in life, decreased social activity, persistent low mood, and feelings of helplessness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression and anxiety disorders are most commonly found among youth and middle-aged individuals, while dementia and cognitive impairments are more prevalent among the elderly.
In September 2025, former Minister of Health Erkin Checheybaev reported that about 11% of the population of Kyrgyzstan suffers from various mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, and suicide risk, as well as from addictions such as alcoholism and drug addiction.
In this regard, a national mental health strategy is being developed in Kyrgyzstan, which is a significant step in recent years. As part of primary healthcare, multidisciplinary teams are being created, which will include family doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and community nurses.
