Mental health and violence

The recent harrowing incident in North Karachi, where a man set his three children on fire before committing self-immolation, has sent shockwaves through communities, calling for comprehensive reforms in mental health support and child protection. The tragic loss of two innocent lives, with the third still fighting to stay alive in the hospital, lays bare the systemic inadequacies that hinder efforts for addressing these critical issues.

Muhammad Arif’s descent into such a desperate act, attributed to emotional distress and reliance on faith healers for treatment, exposes deep-seated stigma and barriers limiting access to mental health care. His story illuminates the complex challenges individuals face in seeking help, emphasising the pressing need for destigmatisation and improved accessibility to professional health services. Unfortunately, mental health remains a taboo topic in many parts of Pakistani society. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help or receiving appropriate care, exacerbating underlying mental health conditions and potentially leading to harmful outcomes. Children, as the most vulnerable members of society, are particularly susceptible to the impact of mental health issues within their families and communities. Instances of domestic violence, substance abuse and untreated mental illness can significantly compromise a child’s safety and emotional well-being, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and harm.

To address this pressing issue, comprehensive public health campaigns aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and providing resources for those in need must be initiated. Additionally, efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms and enhance support services for vulnerable children and their families are paramount. This includes expanding the availability of child-friendly mental health services, training healthcare professionals in trauma-informed care and integrating mental health education into school curricula. Such interventions can help pave the way for more tolerance in society.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2024.

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