Experts blame economic strain and social pressures for growing mental health crisis in Uzbekistan

“When we were kids, iodine was distributed in schools. Today, such programs don’t function at all. On top of that, we’re bombarded with information daily. Scrolling through endless content before bed and overusing social media disrupts our natural biorhythms,” she explained.

Shukurova also emphasized that the consumption of artificial food products is having a profoundly negative effect on people’s overall health.

Sociologist Mahmud Yuldoshev believes that the primary reason behind widespread feelings of hopelessness in Uzbekistan is economic hardship. However, he adds that people who are engaged in work are less likely to suffer from depression. He stresses the need for proper resource allocation by the government – especially investment in education, youth, the elderly, and the country’s future.

Psychotherapist and addiction specialist Zebiniso Akhmedova says motivational slogans alone are no longer enough to distract people from their daily struggles. Rising obesity, drug addiction, disrupted sleep patterns, and large family sizes are all contributing to chronic stress. A particularly serious issue, she says, is how aging is misunderstood in society.

“When we talk about the elderly here, people think of someone bedridden for 7–8 years, cared for by their children and daughters-in-law. We are in the middle of a major crisis in how we view aging. In reality, old age can be a healthy life stage – Japan and Korea have proven this. Aging isn’t only about physical decline,” Akhmedova noted.

Umida Yakubova, an active community member working with women, says that mentality and social attitudes are among the core reasons behind the population’s growing mental instability.

“Everyone complains about economic shortages, salaries not being enough, pensions falling short. People gossip constantly – about their in-laws, daughters, sons-in-law. Girls who get married often return home within two months. Divorce rates are rising. People don’t understand each other. All of this is affecting the country’s collective mental health,” she said.

The interviewees also pointed out that a prevailing sense of negativity – the tendency to view everything in a pessimistic light – is further worsening the overall mood of society.