Dhaka, March 24 -- Sleepless nights, loss of appetite, anxiety, and recurring suicidal thoughts -- yet no visit to a doctor.

Instead, "Atoshi" (pseudonym), a 25-year-old graduate, relies on Google and YouTube to self-medicate with sleeping pills bought over the counter.

"I've heard psychiatric medicines cause thyroid issues, weight gain, and hair loss," she told bdnews24.com. "I try to keep myself busy. But at night, when I'm alone, the thoughts return. So I take sleeping pills."

She is unaware of counselling options and says her friends discouraged her from seeking professional help.

"They say they are there for me. But they don't have time to really listen. In our society, a psychiatrist means a 'doctor for the mad'."

A graduate fr...