Suicides on the rise

Pakistan faces a rising suicide crisis, worsened by stigma and lack of resources, calling for mental health reforms

World Suicide Day recently passed on 10 September, yet it hardly made a ripple in terms of creating meaningful awareness about the alarming rise in suicide cases across Pakistan. This lack of attention is deeply concerning, as the country faces a growing mental health crisis. While economic turmoil, unemployment and familial pressures weigh heavily on citizens, the stigma surrounding mental health issues continues to stifle vital conversations.

Official statistics paint a disturbing picture as, according to WHO, the country's suicide rate is estimated at around 2.9 per 100,000 people. However, local health experts suggest that this number may be severely underreported due to cultural and religious taboos surrounding suicide. The actual figure could be much higher, particularly among young people and those facing acute economic hardship. Data from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan further corroborates this, showing a disturbing trend that particularly persists in rural areas where mental health resources are scarce or non-existent. To put it bluntly, Pakistan is grossly underprepared to deal with this crisis. There is just one psychiatrist available for every 100,000 citizens, and mental health services are virtually inaccessible for many. The country's mental health policy, developed over a decade ago, remains largely unimplemented, while awareness campaigns are few and far between.

What is needed now is not just piecemeal solutions or superficial campaigns, but a re-evaluation of the country's mental health strategy and the establishment of a robust implementation framework in support of it. Breaking stigmas and taboos will require open discourse among various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, educators, religious leaders and policymakers. A long-term measure would be to incorporate mental health education at the school level, teaching children from an early age about emotional resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. This will foster future generations that are both aware and better prepared to support one another.