World Mental Health Day is being globally observed, including in Pakistan, which faces challenges in addressing mental health issues due to a shortage of psychiatrists and limited resources.
The world observes this day on October 10 each year and it aims to raise awareness about mental health concerns and promote mental well-being worldwide.
This year’s theme, ‘Mental health is a universal human right,’ aims to enhance understanding, raise awareness, and drive actions that support and safeguard the mental health of all individuals as a fundamental human right.
Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that Pakistan has 24 million people in need of psychiatric assistance. However, the allocated resources for mental health screening and treatment are insufficient to meet the growing demand.
In Pakistan, mental disorders contribute to more than 4% of the overall disease burden, with women experiencing a higher prevalence of mental health issues than men, possibly due to lower literacy rates among women.
It’s worth noting that Pakistan has one of the lowest numbers of psychiatrists per capita in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and globally, with only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 residents.
In a country where traditional values sometimes discourage seeking advice from psychiatrists, mental health often remains overlooked.
Recognizing Mental health issues
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing that mental health is as crucial as physical health, especially in the workplace. Depression, for example, can lead to mental disorders that not only affect a person’s mental well-being but also their physical health. Symptoms of depression may include feelings of emptiness, loss of interest, changes in weight, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, and more.
To address mental health issues, the Pakistani government launched a mobile application and helpline last April in observance of World Health Day. The app, called “Humraaz,” offers various features such as psychotherapy, daily activity monitoring, connections with professionals, chatbots, WhatsApp support, and appointment booking to provide support and assistance for mental health concerns.
