THERE are multiple reasons for the deteriorating situation of mental health in Pakistan. The failure to access decent livelihood is the primary reason for the increasing number of suicides in the country, particularly in Tharparkar. The Sindh government had established a committee to find out the reasons behind such alarming situation in Tharparkar, which deserves appreciation.

Most of the people in Pakistan have been living in poverty which has been worsened with rising inflation. Many people cannot even afford one meal a day and often go to bed with an empty stomach. Besides, societal expectations and rising unemployment are the major factors of stress in youth. Social stigma related to mental health forces people to suffer in silence. There are very few people in Pakistan who have access to psychiatrists or mental health professionals.

It is the responsibility of the government to establish mental heath helplines and ensure easy access to experts and professionals for every Pakistani. Psychological problems must be treated like other health problems and the stigma associated with it must be ended.

Zohaib Ali Bhagat
Ranipur

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2021