Mental health issues spike suicides

Of 7,500 such deaths reported in Karachi in four years, 5.3% involve underage children

KARACHI:

There were 75 reported cases of suicide in the metropolitan city between 2016 and 2020 and 5.3 per cent of them involved children aged between 10 and 15 years, according to a recent survey conducted by the Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA). A large number of cases of attempted suicide go unreported in the province due to familial pressures.

SMHA Chairman Karim Khawaja has voiced his concern regarding the escalating trend of child suicides, attributing it to mounting psychological stress. In recent days, two tragic instances of children taking their own lives have further underscored this grim reality.

Khawaja said that psychological stress is a complex issue influenced by various factors in a person's life, including environmental changes, past traumas, and physical health problems. These factors manifest differently in each person. Some may experience anger, while others may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Common physical symptoms of stress encompass shortness of breath, panic attacks, blurred vision, sleep disturbances, fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, chest pain, high blood pressure, and indigestion or heartburn.

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Khawaja highlighted the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and the internet in today's society. Parents often overlook their children's issues due to busy lives and the ready availability of these digital distractions. Children from diverse backgrounds attend schools where they are exposed to various lifestyles. The allure of a seemingly more privileged lifestyle can lead to feelings of deprivation, prompting children to compete with their peers. While the internet is a valuable source of knowledge, it also contains immoral content, and it's imperative that parents monitor their children's online activities.

Financial instability in families is another factor contributing to children's mental stress. To tackle this growing problem, the SMHA conducted a psychological autopsy of suicide cases in South Asia. The Thar region of Sindh reported the highest number of suicide cases across the country, with a heart-rending story of a young girl taking her own life due to her father's sale of her beloved cattle.

Mental stress affects children in both urban and rural areas of Sindh. Family violence and the proliferation of mobile phones, social media, and online games have exacerbated the issue. Parents must assume the responsibility of monitoring their children's activities, ensuring their online safety.

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The SMHA was established via an act of the provincial legislature, garnering support from all political parties. However, their capabilities are limited, and they have undertaken training for medical officers and People's Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) teams in various regions of Sindh. Efforts have also been made to establish a child psychiatry department in the Children's Hospital of Nagan Chowrangi two years ago.

Khawaja emphasised that depression can affect children as young as two years old. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. The recent tragedy of two children committing suicide within days underscores the urgency of addressing psychological stress among children. Society as a whole must take responsibility for this issue.

He added that the rising trend of child suicides in Karachi is a matter of grave concern. Many suicide attempts go unreported, and the reasons for these incidents are complex. To combat this crisis, it is essential for parents, teachers, and society at large to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding the mental well-being of children. It is also important to encourage healthy activities, including sports, to counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time and promote a balanced and supportive environment for our children.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2023.