ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on World Mental Health Day stressed the need to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, the effects of mental illness on the lives of citizens and the need for support within the family.

According to statistics from the National Commission of Human Rights, 24pc of people in Pakistan are under stress. The country has limited human and material resources to deal with the disease burden that affects an increasing number of adolescents, young people and women.

Dr Alvi urged the media, teachers, parents, religious scholars, celebrities, social media influencers and community leaders to understand the alarming situation and help remove social taboos that discourage discussion and getting help.

“The figures about students under stress in colleges and universities are as high as 60pc. Educational institutions and employers should provide an enabling environment to students and employees by ensuring a good work-life balance,” he said.

Professor of Psychiatry at Ayub Medical Teaching Institute, Abbottabad, Aftab Alam Khan while talking to Dawn said the day was celebrated on October 10 every year to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

“This year’s theme, Mental health is a universal human right, specifically highlights the significant disparities in access to mental health around the world based on age, sex, country of residence, social class, urban/rural areas, and cultural/religious factors. Countries like Pakistan are particularly struggling due to worsening economic conditions, meagre budget allocations for mental health, lack of professionals, rising use of drugs and alcohol and law and order issues,” he said.

“Research indicates that 1 in 4 people in Pakistan are struggling with mental health problems. It’s time for all stakeholders, including the government, to prioritise mental health and work towards achieving better mental health for our nation,” said Prof Khan, who is also the chair of Mental Health Council of Pakistan Health Parliament.

Meanwhile, the psychiatry department at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) held an event to observe the day.

Chairperson of the department and dean of Pims Professor Rizwan Taj in his opening remarks said the day was a call to action.

“Every year, we gather under a theme that directs our energies toward a facet of mental health that needs illumination. Awareness is lacking in health professionals and the general population. However, things are improving and a lot of interest and initiatives have been taken at the government level and other organisations,” he said.

Director General Ministry of National Health Services Dr. Baseer Achakzai said the day offered an opportunity for those working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needed to be done to make mental health care a reality for the masses across the globe.

Published in Dawn, October 11th, 2023