Drowning in despair
Omar Bangulzai, a labourer in his thirties from Mastung, Balochistan lives in a state of constant fear. After the town was devastated by a deadly bombing that claimed at least 53 lives, he now avoids crowded markets and mosques to preserve his mental well-being amidst the ongoing conflict in Balochistan.
"I have become paranoid after the devastating bombing," shared Bangulzai. "You never know when someone might detonate a bomb," he added. He had left the bombing site just minutes before the attack. “I am mentally so distressed that I have changed my daily routine now. I avoid crowded place. I did not even go for Friday prayers because the mosque is packed on Fridays”.
As the world observed World Mental Health Day on October 10, residents of Balochistan continue to face mounting mental health challenges due to various factors including worsening law and order, natural disasters, inflation, and limited opportunities.
After the 2022 super flood that claimed 336 lives, Balochistan witnessed a mental health crisis. Mental health issues escalated significantly in districts ravaged by the flood. In total, 34 out of 36 districts in Balochistan were affected, with over 426,897 homes damaged or destroyed and 1,230 km of crops lost.
The flood left thousands unemployed, particularly in Lasbela, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, and Nasirabad localities. Working as a psychologist on behalf of the Peoples Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI-Balochistan) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), I encountered dozens of individuals, especially youngsters, who contemplated ending their lives due to the dire economic conditions and the uncertainty in the aftermath of the flood. In a region that has long been plagued by poverty and violence.
One such case was Raheem Dad, a man over 60, residing in Wayaro village in Lasbela. A general physician referred him to me. The 2022 flood killed his son and grandson after their mud house collapsed and turned to rubble. Dad’s son was his only emotional and financial support.
Dad suffers from severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. "I'm old and weak, and I must care for my daughter-in-law, whose husband was taken by the flood," he shared his grief. A limited social circle left him desperately needing someone to talk to. “I pray Allah takes my life,” the distressed man said.
During our sessions together, I helped him open up and communicate through mental and psychological counselling. Yet Dad is not the only one suffering from severe mental health issues. There are hundreds others. The flood brought a host of challenges to Balochistan residents, from losing income, due to washed-away agricultural land, to poverty.
In addition, violence against women has increased to record levels in the areas hit by the flood. In Lasbela's Uthal tehsil, I came across Salma, a 38-year-old whose family's primary income came from farming. But the unprecedented rainfall washed away everything. Her husband is now unemployed and considers their two children a burden; her home is rife with quarrels.
“Having no income, I'm financially dependent on my husband," she lamented. "Since he lost his income due to the flood, he's become more aggressive, subjecting me to daily taunts, abuse, and violence." The ongoing abuse and violence have left Salma severely depressed and on the verge of an emotional breakdown.
Despite her struggles, she strives to support her children. She regularly visits the Women Friendly Space in Uthal, established by PPHI and UNFPA in the aftermath of the 2022 flood. It provides her a safe environment along with other women and children, to engage with psychologists, and chat with peers. Children can play and read there. Salma typically spends her time sewing clothes at the Women Friendly Space, but the lack of work overwhelms her with sadness. Unfortunately, this is just one of many such cases.
Balochistan's provincial and federal governments lack a policy that addresses the growing mental health crisis among its youth. Most of the province's 36 districts lack psychiatrists and psychologists, which has led to a rising number of suicides among mentally distressed youth.
On October 2, in Quetta, a mother and her three daughters ingested poison thereby killing themselves. Reports suggest it was severe stress that drove the woman to take this fatal decision.
In Turbat, one of Balochistan's largest cities, home to a thriving university and a large hospital, I met Naheem, a 24-year-old student afflicted by severe anxiety. Despondent, he initially wanted to end his life due to an uncertain future. "Why should I live when I can't even feed myself? I'll either become a drug addict or a criminal," he said.
After encouraging him and providing talk therapy for a week, I got a call from him. He told me he had reconsidered continuing his studies and had decided to sit for the civil service examinations.
Many young people, lacking access to psychiatrists and proper mental health support, have become suicidal. Self-harm, especially among young women in Balochistan, is increasingly common due to marital discord and family issues resulting from economic distress. According to data, at least 59 people have taken their own lives in Balochistan this year, yet the provincial government and health authorities have not been spurred to take any action. Suicide is a preventable public health problem that can be addressed with the proper support and resources. Timely intervention through conversation and support can save lives but the Balochistan government has yet to take any initiatives to save its residents.
Imrana Imdad is a psychologist currently studying for an MS in psychology at SZABIST, Karachi. She tweets at @ImranaImdad
All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer