Pakistanis do not encourage talking about feelings or emotion
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani society can be quite vexing for an expressive person because on average, Pakistanis do not encourage talking about feelings or emotion. One could go through a life-changing event and society expects immediate normalisation of behaviour, which is quite unrealistic and even unfair. Immediately demanding an explanation for the expression of an unhappy attitude is the denial of what makes us fundamentally human—the experience of ups and downs, highs and lows in people’s lives.
However, there are ways that we can start to change in order to encourage a healthy mental state of those around us. Ask people how they’re doing and mean it! Always be ready to listen and encourage. Ask questions and never judge. Share your story. Have you personally struggled or currently struggle with mental illness or a fuzzy phase of depression? Do not hesitate to tell friends and family about it.
Your story can inspire others to ask for help. Advocate nonjudgmental language. Try to educate those around you on how to talk about mental issues. Never use words like “crazy” or “insane” as insults. Talk to loved ones about how they are feeling. Regularly check in with those close to you. Learn the signs and symptoms of depression. Know what to watch for in yourself and those around you.
Mental health awareness is an arena that Pakistani society must make a conscious effort towards.
Mishal Pirzada
Published in The Express Tribune, July 8th, 2017.
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