Issue 14: Breaking The Stigma: A Call to Action for Mental Health
Message from the Editor In Chief
Mental health is a topic that has long been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, but we cannot afford to ignore it any longer. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the need for mental health support, as many people struggle with the emotional toll of isolation, uncertainty, and loss. Thirty six percent of Pakistanis suffer from anxiety and depression, which is often caused by strained family and friend relations, the feeling of not fitting in the society, the unstable economic and political conditions of the country giving rise to unemployment and poverty. Fourteen percent of young students have bipolar disorders. Pakistan has only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest numbers in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, and in the whole world. One of the biggest challenges we face in addressing mental health is the stigma that surrounds it. Many people still view mental health issues as a personal weakness which can prevent them from seeking help. This stigma can be especially challenging for marginalized communities, who may face additional barriers to accessing mental health care.