KARACHI:
In our society, mental illnesses are heavily stigmatised. This stigma stems from a lack of understanding and misperceptions about psychological conditions. Many people falsely believe that mental health issues occur due to supernatural forces and seek help from healers or clerics. This may offer short-term relief, but most mental illnesses require psychological or psychiatric treatment.
People avoid talking about their mental state with their family, friends, or colleagues due to the shame and stigma. This delay in treatment can worsen one’s mental state and compel individuals to take drastic steps such as suicide. Within the last two years, Pakistan has reported an alarming increase in depression and suicides. The country has one of the worst mental health indicators and has fewer than 500 psychiatrists for a population of nearly 220 million. The shortage of mental health professionals in Pakistan has widened the treatment gap leaving more than 90% of the people with common mental disorders untreated.
The healthcare department needs to refocus on mental health as it is just as important as physical health. The authorities must spend more on healthcare facilities, particularly psychological and psychiatric research to improve awareness and treatments. A mental health community should be formed to raise awareness about mental health. The only way to fully destigmatise mental illnesses is to acknowledge their existence and normalise conversations about mental health. This will encourage people to talk to each other and get the help they need. Otherwise, people will continue suffering in silence.
Sana Muqadas
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, November 18th, 2022.
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