Anxiety and depression are a prevalent problem in adults and children alike, especially in this current economic climate. You! takes a look…
mental health day
Poverty, economic climate, inflation and unemployment are all factors in aiding to the mental health decline according to experts. Ironically, all four causes are increasing rapidly in Pakistan, thus making psychological well-being an important issue in today’s time. Mental Health Day is observed all over the world on October 10th. The main objective of World Mental Health Day is to create awareness on the importance and requirements of a healthy mind. World Health Organization honours world mental health day and reflects on the importance of psychological condition and the complications individuals face in their lives.
Every year a theme is decided regarding this particular day. This year’s theme is ‘Depression: A Global Crisis’. Although the mental state of an individual has always been of importance, but due to the Covid-19 epidemic, relevant international organisations have made ‘mental pressure’ a paramount discussion as the severity has increased tremendously in the last two and a half years.
As stated by the Pakistan Association of Mental Health, around 35 per cent of Pakistani citizens suffer from some form of minor or major mental disorders. This is a colossal number in relation to the 7 crores of the total population. The highest number of people suffering from mental illnesses is in the Sindh province, where more than 17 per cent of Pakistanis face some kind of psychological issues, this figure is 9 per cent in Punjab, 4 per cent in Balochistan, and 5 per cent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A staggering fact is that the city of Lahore has the highest number of patients suffering from depression and anxiety.
According to experts; poverty, economic climate, inflation and unemployment are all factors in aiding to the mental health decline. Ironically, all four causes are increasing rapidly in Pakistan which might be causing a climb in the number of psychological issues.
On the report of the latest data, currently around 40 per cent of our population is living below the poverty line according to international standards. This number adds up to more than 8 million people, who cannot afford food, shelter and medical. It is unimaginable what situations families face due to the inflation and unemployment, two meals a day has become unattainable for many, if this is solved, then the matter moves on to a roof over their heads, clothes to wear and medical treatments. These are just the basic needs to live, this does not include other expenses and needs that are required to live a quality life such as education, electricity, marriage and other miscellaneous day-to-day expenses.
Research seems to be pointing to individuals living below the poverty line are more likely to be diagnosed as mentally ill. Inflation has risen to record levels in the current situation. The prices of essential commodities like flour, ghee, sugar, rice, and dal are at an all-time rise, simultaneously unemployment is on the rise. This situation has greatly increased financial, mental and nervous pressure. Aside from the unstable economic situation, the state of law and justice system, sense of insecurity in the society, increasing crime and violence, political instability, dreadful home and workplace environment, or any physical illnesses could also be factors to mental stresses.
The World Health Organization estimated post Covid-19 mental illnesses will increase dramatically and the number of deaths will exceed those of cancer. The organisation mentions that Pakistan is among the countries where psychiatric patients are increasing day by day. It has been reported that 130,00 people commit suicide every year in Pakistan. 95 per cent of those who commit suicide are said to have some sort of mental health disorder.
Quite regularly we are updated on incidents of suicide; jumping into the canal with their children to avoid death from starvation, or murder due to outstanding dues and debt. The harsh reality is that the government has not formulated a system regarding mental or psychiatric diseases in general. There is no national policy regarding mental health disorders. Neither are there any campaigns for the awareness of mental health issues and their consequences. Pakistan currently has a shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists, and treatment centres, prices of medications have skyrocketing; psychiatric clinics are almost non-existent. The bitter truth is instead of being treated by health care professionals, they are targeted by spiritual healers and amulet sellers as a form of ‘cure’. Healing from mental health issues is difficult, challenging and arduous but it is not impossible once appropriate treatment for the required person is administered.
In these circumstances, it is crucial that the government pays careful consideration to this pivotal national issue. Facilities and professionals for psychological care should be increased and through awareness programs, people should be informed about the causes, treatments and preventive measures of mental health issues including depression.
The writer is a teacher at DELTA, The Change Agent. He can be reached at aminwastoo@gmail.com.
