Silent crisis

Pakistan is in the middle of a quiet mental health crisis, with experts estimating that one-third of the population has some psychological disorder, which is a significantly higher rate than the global average of one in five. A major contributor to the problem is the fact that sociocultural taboos present a massive barrier for people who are aware of their problems but are afraid to seek treatment.

Going further towards the root of the problem, society and governance both have played outsized roles in driving depression and anxiety, as chronic economic instability, unemployment and financial strain have created a sense of hopelessness, especially among the youth. Increasing social inequality and exposure to natural disasters and violence have not helped.

Then there is the problem of lack of access, with some estimates saying that there is only one psychiatrist for every 550,000 citizens, a ratio so skewed it looks like a typo. The low availability of psychiatric services has an exponentially greater impact on women, as not only do they suffer disproportionate levels of depression and anxiety, often linked to domestic conflicts and gendered social expectations, but those same cultural values keep them from seeking treatment, sometimes at all, and oftentimes from a doctor of the opposite sex, even when no other options are available.

Addressing this emergency requires decisive action, starting with integrating mental health into primary care, which will go a long way in reducing taboos around the subject. Government-level campaigns are also needed to help reduce stigma. Encouragement of teletherapy and helplines can also bridge access gaps, especially for women and those in remote areas. Unlike many healthcare issues, mental health remains an imprecise area. It can take years to craft effective treatment plans for many severe cases, but for many people, even access to a therapist can be a game-changer that allows them to lead mostly normal lives.