Psychological taboos

Letter November 01, 2019
People should be encouraged rather than demoralised, if they seek mental help

KARACHI: Depression and anxiety even when it could be treated starts off with the epithet as being called psychotic. People often forget that, just like other diseases, mental condition is also a disease. It should not be stigmatised as a taboo. In this fast paced 21st century we are typically running in circles, constantly competing with each other. We want everything to happen at once, be it being rich, married, having children, a good career and status. This ongoing and never ending pressure creates different mental and psychological conditions among us.

We are not even willing to take psychological help and support even in extreme cases because of the fear of society. In Pakistan, mental health issues are increasing day by day at an alarming rate. Inflation and unemployment can be another reason but whatever the case is, one should seek help from experienced psychiatrist so that he/she may be saved from further mental deterioration. When people from elite class are refraining from seeing a psychologist, how come we convince the lower class to acknowledge this problem? Awareness should be created not only amongst the youth but also elders, so that the issue must be resolved fully.

People should be encouraged rather than demoralised, if they seek mental help, and taboos should be controlled. More and more people should be encouraged to take a plunge into psychiatric field because we need such people to help our society in order to free them from the shackles of depression and anger issues prevailing in our country. Mental illness is a disease which should be treated properly, not a taboo.

Irraj Mahmood

Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2019.

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