In today’s fast-paced world, conversations about mental health are no longer confined to private spaces — they echo in schools, workplaces and homes alike. With rising concerns around stress, anxiety and emotional well-being, the discipline of psychology has become more relevant than ever. Yet, for many psychology graduates, the reality after completing their degrees is starkly different from the expectations they once held.
After years of studying human behaviour, therapy techniques and counseling practices, countless young professionals are left struggling to secure stable employment. The journey from classroom to career is marked not by opportunity, but by uncertainty.
Two major factors deepen this crisis.
One, awareness about the role of psychologists remains limited. Many institutions still see mental health services as optional rather than essential. Employers — whether in schools, corporate organisations or healthcare — often underestimate the importance of trained professionals in ensuring emotional well-being and productivity.
Two, job opportunities are largely concentrated in metropolitan cities, leaving talented students from smaller towns at a clear disadvantage. This mismatch between training and available work has led to frustration, underemployment and, in many cases, career shifts entirely away from psychology.
The result is disheartening — not only for the individuals who invested years of effort and resources, but for society at large. At a time when mental health challenges are on the rise, we cannot afford to let trained minds go untapped.
It is imperative that universities strengthen career guidance and provide practical internships that prepare students for the demands of the field. Employers must begin to integrate psychologists into their core teams, while government policies should expand mental health programmes in public health and education, creating structured opportunities for young graduates.
The struggles faced by psychology graduates are not merely career hurdles, they reflect how our society values mental health. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can empower a new generation of professionals eager to serve — and in turn, build a more resilient, emotionally aware community.
Armina Mustafa
Karachi
