Written by: Shiraz Aslam
Posted on: April 05, 2024 | 
| 中文
Depression can affect the poor and underprivileged very terribly
The World Health Organization reported that 24 million people in Pakistan require mental healthcare. The British Asian Trust provided a grimmer picture with an estimate of 50 million mentally and psychologically compromised individuals inhabiting the country: this means that every 1 in 4 will experience mental health issues.
The biggest plague is depression, an epidemic that has engulfed all demographics in Pakistan to the point where it has become an alarming cause of concern. What’s more is that treatment for depressive disorders is far from forthcoming: The 5th largest population in the world has only 0.19 psychiatrists for 100,000 people with an estimated of 500 such trained medical professionals equipped to dealing with such illnesses.
Professional assistance must be sought for mental health disorders
While this dearth of health professionals poses a significance obstacle, there are impediments even when treatment is forthcoming. The two greatest challenges being the powerful stigma surrounding mental health and a dire deficit of awareness. Consequently, only 10% of individuals with psychological illnesses will receive any form of assistance.
Mental health is a definite cause of concern, but no one wants to discuss the elephant in the room as it has been effectively discarded and excluded from popular discourse. A deeply ingrained stigma, embedded in nearly all cultural systems, discourages individuals from seeking professional help. There is a tendency to attribute mental illness to “supernatural forces” beyond the comprehension and control of the ordinary man. Black magic (kaala jaadu) and possession by demons are often deemed the primary culprits for erratic, uncontrolled, anti-social behavior. With a misinterpretation of the legitimate causes, faith healers are often called upon with their wazeefay (reciting some holy verses in order to seek a cure) and totkay (the magic cure of a disease). The effectiveness of which is questionable, at best.
People often turn to faith healers for perceived mental illnesses
Let’s not rule out the long-standing stereotypes that have dominated our homeland’s belief system for decades. Voices of “Mard nahi rotay” (men don’t cry) and “Log kia kehngay (what will people say)?”, are deeply ingrained in every Pakistani’s subconscious. These expectations are internalized early in life, owing to backward socializing practices dominating most pedagogical and child-rearing activities. They serve as active deterrents even when the victims and loved ones are cognizant of the need for professional psychiatric care.
Psychological well-being is as important as physical well-being
The second hurdle manifests itself with a lack of awareness and education. “Depression” and mental illness is not considered an ailment worthy of treatment. The common cold is more likely to be taken seriously as a health hazard. This dilemma stems from a sheer deficit of awareness and knowledge, which can naturally be traced to a poor illiteracy rate. In addition to the attribution to supernatural forces, the uneducated may also misdiagnose and misinterpret depressive symptoms. Since mental health disorders express themselves in unique and complex ways, the job is best left to mental health professionals.
Depression is prevalent in people of all ages and ethnicities
Information needs to be circulated to raise awareness. The obvious signs and symptoms of depression must be clearly communicated to all demographics. There is also a natural disparity in the dissemination and distribution of data and treatment. Depression, anxiety and mood disorders are considered “first-world issues”, affecting the wealthiest proportion of the population. Consequently, resources are more forthcoming and accessible to these sections. However, the existing literature shows the prevalence of such illnesses in the impoverished classes too. Thus, the lower demographics deserve an equal share of the available resources. This is where social media and non-governmental organizations can step up to fill huge shoes.
Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram have proven to be effective modes of communication across all sections of the population. Their power and influence in promoting public initiatives of good health were in full force during the coronavirus pandemic. The same could be done for mental health illness, which has quietly turned into a country-wide epidemic. Colorful imagery in media posts with video advertisements, could steer compromised individuals in the correct direction and help alleviate the stigma that surrounds mental health. As we know, social media is a double-edged sword so it could also be used to spread conspiracy theories in this regard. However, recognized authorities should up their game to disseminate information and services at a wider scale through social media.
Social media campaigns will be effective in promoting mental health
More importantly, mental health should be actively included in public discourse. Turning a blind eye has proven far too detrimental. Welcoming such difficult discussions into mainstream media on television and newspapers is an ideal way to break the barrier and bridge the gap. By acknowledging it, Pakistan will take a giant step towards releasing all the heavy baggage that surrounds the term, alleviating the stigma that surrounds mental health.
On an individual level, we should all aim to look after the mental needs of our friends and family. In the fast-paced modern era driven by technology, innovation, and competition, we have lost the capacity for discussion and meaningful conversation. It is important to notice subtle changes in behavior, reaffirm our support and availability, and encourage professional assistance where necessary.
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