Most people are ignorant of the fact that minor mental issues too need to be treated
KARACHI: According to the statistics revealed by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, around 800 people committed suicide in the country during the past year. The figures are reflective of the dark reality and social stigma that clouds mental health issues in the country. In South Asian countries, particularly Pakistan, indiscriminate and non-stigmatised discussion of social issues is still far from reality. Most people are ignorant of the fact that minor mental issues too need to be treated much like any other physical ailment.
Moreover, attempts to commit suicide is a cognisable crime in the country, however, factually, someone suffering from mental health problems needs redressal and not charges against them for committing a crime. Hence, the law must be reconsidered for the purpose of making needed amendments that should also include necessary provision of psychiatric assistance for anyone who attempts suicide.
Nida Waqar
Published in The Express Tribune, March 9th, 2018.
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