The human mind, with its complex array of thoughts, emotions, and experiences, plays a pivotal role in shaping our actions, relationships, and overall well-being. Yet, in Pakistan, mental health, an integral part of human health, is often overlooked or misunderstood. Far too often, mental health struggles are dismissed as personal weaknesses or societal taboos, leaving those affected to face their challenges in isolation. This silence around mental health, coupled with pervasive misconceptions, creates a harmful environment where individuals suffer without the support or understanding they need.
Mental health challenges in Pakistan stem from a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and systemic factors. Poverty, unemployment, and economic instability contribute to chronic stress, often leading to anxiety and depression. Societal pressures, particularly around family honour and gender roles, create immense psychological strain, especially on women and youth. The ongoing violence, political instability, and conflict have left many individuals, particularly children, with trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Lack of access to mental health professionals, especially in rural areas, and a cultural preference for religious or spiritual solutions over medical care further exacerbate the issue.
The most significant barrier to seeking help for mental health in Pakistan is the deep-seated societal prejudice surrounding it. Mental health issues are often seen as personal weaknesses, moral failings, or even as the result of supernatural forces. Terms like pagal (mad) are commonly used in casual conversation, reinforcing harmful and dismissive attitudes. Those who acknowledge their struggles risk being ostracized, judged, or labelled as damaged.
This pervasive cultural mindset fosters an environment where seeking professional help becomes an act of courage, frequently accompanied by fear of social retribution. Families, too, contribute to this atmosphere of silence, often avoiding open discussions about mental health out of concern for how it might damage their social reputation or affect their children’s prospects, particularly in matters of marriage.
The challenge is further exacerbated by a profound lack of awareness and education. Mental health is seldom discussed in schools, workplaces, or even within families, leaving many unaware of the signs and symptoms of mental illness. Conditions like depression, anxiety, and other disorders are often dismissed as temporary phases or issues of personal willpower. The absence of accurate information fosters misconceptions, making it more difficult for individuals to recognize when they need help or appreciate the importance of seeking professional care. This lack of understanding extends to healthcare professionals as well, many of whom lack the training to properly identify and address mental health issues, leading to misdiagnoses or dismissive attitudes.
The systemic failures of Pakistan’s healthcare infrastructure exacerbate these challenges. The country has an alarmingly low number of mental health professionals, with only a few hundred psychiatrists and an even smaller number of clinical psychologists to serve a population of over 250 million. This severe shortage leaves large swathes of the population without access to professional care, particularly in rural areas where healthcare services are already sparse. Public mental health facilities are limited and often overburdened, while private services remain out of reach for the majority due to their high costs. Consequently, those who muster the courage to seek help often find themselves facing logistical and financial hurdles that are insurmountable.
Cultural and religious beliefs also intersect with mental health in complex ways. While religious traditions emphasize compassion and community support, mental health is often viewed through a lens of morality or spirituality rather than science. Many turn to faith healers or spiritual leaders for solutions, seeking exorcisms or other rituals to cure mental illnesses perceived as the result of black magic or divine punishment. While spiritual practices can provide solace to some, relying on them exclusively often delays or replaces evidence-based treatments, leaving individuals without the care they need. This reliance on non-medical interventions highlights a gap in public trust in formal healthcare systems, which are seen as inaccessible, ineffective, or irrelevant to their needs.
Mental health education is a crucial tool for promoting mental health awareness in Pakistan. It equips young people with the knowledge and skills to manage their mental well-being and support others. Training teachers to recognize and respond to mental health issues can create a supportive environment for students to seek help. Workplace policies must adapt to prioritize mental health by providing employee assistance programs, flexible work conditions, fair wages, and a culture that supports seeking help.Â
Untreated mental health issues in Pakistan have a significant impact on individuals, causing a diminished quality of life, strained relationships, and even suicide. Suicide rates, especially among young people, are underreported due to legal and cultural constraints. The WHO estimates 19,331 suicides in 2019-2020, with 4,560 females and 14,771 males among victims. The economic burden of untreated mental health conditions is staggering, causing lost productivity and increased healthcare costs, hindering national development.
The government’s role in addressing mental health cannot be overstated. Pakistan’s mental health policy framework remains weak, with insufficient funding and a lack of integration into broader healthcare strategies. Policymakers must prioritize mental health by increasing budget allocations, expanding training programs for healthcare professionals, and building infrastructure that brings services to underserved areas. Public awareness campaigns can help normalize conversations about mental health and reduce ignominy. Collaborations between the government, private sector, and civil society are essential to creating a multi-pronged approach that addresses the complex interplay of cultural, economic, and systemic barriers.
Mental health education is a crucial tool for promoting mental health awareness in Pakistan. It equips young people with the knowledge and skills to manage their mental well-being and support others. Training teachers to recognize and respond to mental health issues can create a supportive environment for students to seek help. Workplace policies must adapt to prioritize mental health by providing employee assistance programs, flexible work conditions, fair wages, and a culture that supports seeking help. Mental health requires a collective consciousness shift, recognizing it as a shared responsibility. Families, communities, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers must unite to create an environment where mental health is treated with the same urgency, respect, and care as physical health.
