THE military has, at least for now, to a large extent resolved the Taliban threat in Malakand division. Many internally displaced persons have returned home. Yet the still precarious situation and the recent experience of being uprooted have left scars on the psyche of those affected by the conflict.

For many things are not going to be the same again. It is just as important to mend the psychological damage caused by trauma as it is to reconstruct homes and businesses. Unfortunately, in Pakistan problems associated with mental health never get the attention they deserve.

Mental health problems are on the rise in Pakistan. Cases stem from despair that ranges from feelings of mild anxiety to depression, and in extreme cases suicidal tendencies. Besides the usual contributors to this disturbing trend, the current situation has added large numbers of those who have been forced out of their homes, affected by terrorism. All this has heightened feelings of insecurity. Financial worries have also caused feelings of helplessness.

Women and children are especially susceptible at a time when our nation seems to have more than its share of problems. Psychiatric disorders are not limited to just cities or villages — the fact is they can affect anyone, anywhere. No one is immune from their pernicious effects.

The World Health Organisation ranks Pakistan as having one of the lowest suicide rates based on the number of deaths reported as suicides. However, even WHO cautions that this statistic be taken with a grain of salt; many deaths are not reported as suicides, primarily due to the religious condemnation associated with the act. What is worth noting is that among the reported suicides in Pakistan, the largest group comprises young adults living in urban areas. Among young adults, women between the ages of 15 and 29 recorded the highest number.

Over the years, Pakistan has failed to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health and to allocate sufficient resources to effectively deal with them. Traditionally, our medical services have had a shortage of psychiatrists. This shortage is felt acutely nowadays and cannot be dealt with quickly; it takes years to address such a scarcity of professionals. So, what are we to do in the meanwhile? Actually, there are some steps we can take to make a difference.

The good news is that in general, mental problems are treatable and need not be lifelong afflictions. The battle cannot be won if we do not acknowledge the problem, understand it and give it due attention. Fortunately, by and large our society has a family support network which is better than the one found in the West. It can be a big help in providing care and support to the mentally ill. Social workers who provide care are not enough to cater to the needs of all. The family network can play an important role.

The fight against mental illness, like all struggles, needs help and resources. The government can help by allocating resources for mental health centres, funding social workers, and work with the health and education ministries to organise campaigns aimed at teaching the public about how to recognise problems early and get the needed help.

Most importantly, our attitudes need an overhaul, which can only come from gaining a better understanding. Many of us who are educated are guilty of falling prey to misperceptions. We need to teach ourselves more about this topic. It will increase our empathy towards those afflicted by mental illness and make us sensitive towards their needs.

To tackle this problem effectively over the long-term, we need a holistic approach starting with organised campaigns aimed at increasing awareness, helping organisations and social workers, supporting research efforts aimed at finding cures, and finally lending a helping hand where we can. Care needs to be extended to rural areas and the few existing facilities in the cities need to be inspected and improved.

We cannot turn our backs on those suffering at this critical hour facing our nation. There is no disgrace or shame in being sick. Those who suffer certainly do not do so out of choice. If ever there was a time to lend a helping hand, this is it.