An extremely high poverty rate, an ailing economy, and an acute shortage of food have all contributed to the high prevalence of depression amongst citizens in Pakistan. Depression, however, was and has remained a taboo topic of sorts in the country and people who suffer from depression are deemed pagal, and left to suffer alone.
Due to the lack of awareness and a certain stigma attached to the illness, most people who suffer from depression tend to go into denial and are unwilling to accept any form of treatment or medication. This refusal worsens their condition and eventually causes them to take their own lives. Although more people have started to approach others for help, many still don’t perceive depression to be an actual illness. Going to a psychiatrist or taking anti-stress medicines is still looked down upon in many areas of the country. It is high time that the masses accepted depression as an illness that has tremendous physical and emotional consequences.
If people are not timely treated, the situation could very well exacerbate and the country could witness an unfolding crisis. Here, it is the duty of the government to not only create awareness but also provide a safe space or platform where people are able to comfortably come forward and discuss their psychological issues. Awareness campaigns should be initiated, especially in rural areas in order to educate the public about the effects that depression can have on an individual. It is vital for people to understand that depression is curable and the affectees will be able to lead a stress-free life only if they decide to seek help.
Furthermore, the government should also work on developing a suicide prevention helpline and build free psychiatric centres across major cities in order to help those who cannot afford expensive healthcare. Hopefully, the public will start taking depression more seriously in the coming years.
Raheel Soomro
Sukkur
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2020.
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