Mental health challenges among young adults in Pakistan, particularly untreated stress and depression...
COVER STORY
Mental health challenges among young adults in Pakistan, particularly untreated stress and depression, are often overlooked due to cultural stigma and a lack of awareness. As the pressures of adulthood weigh heavily on individuals between the ages of 20 and 30, untreated mental health conditions can develop into long-term, debilitating problems, affecting not just individuals but also their families, work environments, and communities.
Stress and depression are psychological conditions that can lead to profound emotional and physical consequences. Untreated, they can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or frustration, causing significant impairments in daily life. Stress, often caused by external pressures such as academic challenges, financial difficulties, or interpersonal conflicts, can quickly develop into depression if not addressed properly. This scenario is prevalent among young adults navigating the complexities of higher education, career transitions, or early-stage adulthood
The long-term effects of untreated stress and depression are severe and can become a vicious cycle. Research has shown that untreated mental health conditions lead to a higher risk of developing chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and chronic pain. Moreover, untreated stress can trigger depression, with each episode becoming more intense and more challenging to treat over time. The prolonged effects of stress are particularly damaging in young adults whose brain development is still ongoing and whose emotional resilience is still being shaped.
Research has shown that untreated emotional trauma and unprocessed grief can have significant psychological and physical health consequences. An example of this is Fatima, a 28-year-old teacher in Islamabad, who experienced untreated depression after the breakdown of her engagement. Social pressures related to the failed engagement, compounded by feelings of guilt and shame, contributed to her deteriorating mental health. Despite the signs, Fatima suppressed her emotions, fearing judgment from her family and friends. This lack of treatment led to her mental health spiraling, impacting her ability to function at work and causing strain in her relationships.
Triggers and contributing factors for untreated stress and depression in Pakistan
There are multiple factors contributing to the persistence of untreated stress and depression, particularly within Pakistan's socio-cultural framework. These factors include cultural stigma, lack of mental health education, economic constraints, and societal pressures.
Cultural stigma: One of the significant challenges faced by individuals in Pakistan is the cultural stigma surrounding mental health. Seeking therapy or counselling is often seen as a sign of weakness, and there is a prevailing belief that mental health issues should be dealt with privately, without external help. This stigma leads to significant underreporting of mental health issues and prevents many individuals from accessing the necessary care.
For example, Sami, a 23-year-old student in Karachi, was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder but never sought treatment due to his fear of being labeled ‘crazy’ by his family. The societal pressure to appear ‘normal’ and successful often leads young adults to neglect their mental well-being, ultimately worsening their condition.
Lack of mental health awareness: The general lack of mental health education further exacerbates the issue. Many young adults are unaware of the early signs of stress and depression and are often unable to differentiate between everyday stress and clinical depression. As a result, untreated mental health issues are allowed to fester, leading to more severe conditions later.
Economic constraints: Financial barriers to accessing professional care pose a significant challenge. In Pakistan, mental health services are often neither affordable nor accessible to young adults from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Even for those who are financially stable, the cost of therapy or counselling can be prohibitive.
Take Raza, a 30-year-old graphic designer in Lahore, who struggled with depression for years without professional help. Unable to afford therapy, his condition worsened, impacting both his relationships and work performance.
Societal pressures: In Pakistan, young adults are pressured to succeed academically, professionally and personally. The expectation to conform to societal norms, such as getting married by a certain age or succeeding in a career, can lead to significant stress. These pressures often trigger or exacerbate existing mental health conditions.
For instance, Zara, a 25-year-old from Rawalpindi, felt immense pressure from her family to marry at a young age while balancing her career as a lawyer. The stress from both her personal and professional life eventually led to depression. Yet, Zara did not feel she could discuss her emotional struggles with her family due to fear of judgment.
The role of social media in stress and depression: In today's digital age, social media plays an undeniable role in shaping the emotional landscape of young adults. While social platforms offer connectivity, opportunities for self-expression, and community support, they also significantly contribute to mental health issues like stress and depression. Constant comparison to idealized versions of others' lives, pressure to maintain a particular image, and overwhelming information can leave individuals feeling isolated, inadequate or anxious.
One primary way social media contributes to stress is through the phenomenon of ‘social comparison’. Seeing curated, filtered images of others’ lives can lead to unrealistic expectations and feelings of inferiority. For many, this fosters a sense of not being enough—whether in terms of appearance, career success or relationships. Studies have shown that frequent use of social media is linked to increased feelings of loneliness and depression, especially among young adults.
Furthermore, the constant bombardment of notifications, the need to be ‘always on’, and the fear of missing out (FOMO) create pressure to perform and engage constantly. This can lead to stress and burnout as individuals struggle to balance their online persona with real-life experiences. The anxiety that arises from this constant need to measure up or engage with online content can erode self-esteem and exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
To address these issues effectively, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. The following solutions can help mitigate the impact of untreated stress and depression among young adults in Pakistan:
National awareness campaigns focusing on mental health education can help break down the stigma of seeking treatment. These campaigns should educate people about the signs of stress and depression and emphasize the importance of seeking help early.
Pakistan needs to invest in mental health services to make them more accessible and affordable, especially for young adults. Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems and creating affordable options like telemedicine or online therapy can help overcome financial and geographical barriers.
Mental health education must be incorporated into curricula and programmes. By teaching young adults how to recognize and address mental health issues early on, they will be better equipped to handle the stresses of adulthood.
Strengthening community support systems, such as peer support groups and local mental health organizations, can create an immediate network of support for those struggling with untreated mental health issues. These structures offer safe spaces where young adults can share their struggles without fear of judgment.
Encouraging workplaces to adopt mental health policies that support employee well-being is crucial. Counselling services, stress management workshops, and a more open dialogue about mental health can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout.
To manage social media's negative impact on mental health, individuals should take conscious steps to set boundaries around their usage. This can include limiting screen time, curating a healthier feed by following positive and supportive accounts, and actively engaging in offline activities that promote real-world connections. Additionally, practicing mindfulness and self-reflection and reminding oneself that social media often presents a distorted reality can help individuals combat the pressures of comparison and FOMO.
When someone is struggling with mental health issues, recognizing the signs of depression or anxiety is crucial. However, how this recognition is communicated is equally important. Healthcare professionals must first listen to the person’s feelings, allowing them to express their emotions and experiences. Simply labeling someone with a diagnosis without empathy or understanding can heighten their anxiety and stress. A compassionate, patient approach ensures that the person feels heard and supported rather than dismissed or overwhelmed by a difficult diagnosis.
In mental health care, the emphasis should be on how help is offered as much as on the diagnosis. Mental health professionals must approach the conversation in a way that fosters trust, encourages open dialogue and alleviates the stress of navigating such complex emotions.
Untreated stress and depression among young adults in Pakistan are serious issues that require immediate attention. Addressing root causes—such as cultural stigma, lack of awareness, and economic constraints—while implementing strategies for early intervention can help reduce the negative impact of mental health issues. A collective effort from the government, educational institutions, workplaces, and the community is essential to creating a supportive environment where young adults feel encouraged to seek help and thrive mentally, emotionally and professionally.
