Silent crisis

The mental health issues faced by young people are an important but rarely talked about problem. Many young Pakistanis face mental health issues like anxiety, burnout and depression. But societal stigma and limited resources fail to provide them with the support they need. Students are crushed by academic pressures and young professionals struggle with job insecurity and high living costs. Social media, with its widespread presence, intensifies the problem, promoting idealistic standards and relentless comparisons. Left unaddressed, this quiet crisis will continue to steal our youth’s potential and, with it, the nation’s future.

Pakistan’s mental health facilities are hardly sufficient and affordable counselling services are few and far between. Bridging this gap requires urgent policy changes and initiatives. Finally, educational outposts can play a fundamental role by bringing mental health awareness programmes and counselling services to the campus. Moreover, public campaigns are key to removing stigma and allowing the conversation around mental health to take place.

Laiba Noor

Islamabad