KARACHI:
More than 14 million Pakistanis have been found to have some sort of mental illness. Mental health issues range from depression to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. Mental illnesses do not only affect individuals themselves but also their relationships with their families and friends as well as their professional lives.
Poor awareness about mental health and taboos and stigmas against mental illnesses have amplified problems, especially for those living in impoverished regions with little access to mass media and proper healthcare services. Internet access and televised media can play a critical role in dismantling negative connotations attached to mental illnesses and encourage people to seek support. In recent years, there has been an increase in suicide cases in Pakistan. People experiencing different mental illnesses resort to suicide if they cannot cope with their symptoms. The worsening social and economic circumstances have further raised distress and frustration among the people. Substance abuse remains a major challenge.
Pakistan with a population of nearly 240 million has less than 500 certified psychological practitioners. The blatant disregard for mental health is alarming and can seriously harm large swathes of the population. The government needs to step up and work with the healthcare department to improve mental health services and rehabilitation. Students should be incentivised to pursue psychology and psychiatry to increase the number of practitioners. Additionally, existing rehabilitation centres should be monitored, and regulatory bodies should ensure that all practitioners have proper qualifications and training to assist patients.
Mahpara Murad
Kech
Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2023.
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