KARACHI:
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the mental health of people across the globe, and Pakistan is no exception. The fear of death has led to minds spiraling into extreme bouts of anxiety and paranoia. Isolation, courtesy of quarantine and social distancing, has led to depression and increased drug and alcohol use, along with a rise in suicide rates.
While I acknowledge that all these restrictive steps are necessary to curb the virus spread, readiness to deal with the side effects and outcome is also a necessity. Now, more than ever, we need to place the spotlight on the lack of available resources for those suffering from mental health issues in Pakistan. Considering the lack of widespread awareness and education on the topic, what we need right now are psychiatric and therapeutic services since many are unaware of the effects of deteriorating mental health.
Maira Pasha
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2021.
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