- Advertisement -
LAHORE, Oct 09 (APP):Pakistan is facing a severe mental health crisis, with an estimated 24% of the population suffering from some form of mental illness, impacting millions of families nationwide,warns Prof. Dr. Aftab Asif,prominent psychiatrist and former Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital.
Speaking exclusively to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) on Thursday in connection with World Mental Health Day, Prof. Asif said the global observance aims to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and encourage those struggling to seek professional help.
This year’s theme, “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,” highlights the urgent need to prioritize mental well-being at every level of society, he noted.
Prof. Asif emphasized that mental health should be treated with the same importance as physical health, pointing to the rising prevalence of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders, he added, significantly impact individuals’ productivity, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Citing World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, he revealed that approximately 57 million Pakistanis were currently living with mental or psychological disorders. However, the country has only about 500 practicing psychiatrists, equating to just 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people — a glaring indicator of the chronic underinvestment in mental health infrastructure.
He lamented that social stigma, ignorance, and superstition have further exacerbated the crisis.
“In our society, mental illness is still often blamed on black magic, evil spirits, or the evil eye,” Prof. Asif said. “These beliefs delay proper treatment and worsen patient outcomes.”
To address the crisis, he urged both the government and private sector to collaborate on a national response. His recommendations include:establishing counseling centers in educational institutions,expanding psychiatric units in hospitals,launching community-based awareness programs,promoting positive media campaigns to reshape public perception.
He also stressed that mental health treatment was not limited to medication.
“Recovery is greatly aided by love, support, and acceptance,” he explained. “A calm, respectful, and encouraging family environment is essential to the healing process.”
Highlighting vulnerable groups, Prof. Asif pointed to youth, women, and economically stressed individuals as being at higher risk, driven by inflation, unemployment, academic pressures, family conflicts, and excessive social media use.
To build long-term resilience, he called for increased budget allocations for mental health services and the inclusion of mental health education in school curricula.
“If we want a peaceful, prosperous, and strong Pakistan,” he asserted, “we must make mental health a top priority. A healthy mind is every person’s right — and the foundation of a stronger nation.”
In his closing remarks, Prof. Asif urged all citizens to take mental health seriously, seek help without hesitation, and show empathy toward those who may be suffering silently.
“Mental health,” he concluded, “is not just a personal issue — it is a collective responsibility.”