WEB DESK: Mental health professionals in Pakistan are increasingly alarmed by the rising suicide rates, particularly among young men aged 15-29, now the fourth leading cause of death in this demographic. According to The News, the disturbing trend underscores a growing mental health crisis in the country.
In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported over 19,000 suicides in Pakistan, with males making up the majority of these tragic cases. Furthermore, for every suicide, there are an estimated 10-20 instances of self-harm, suggesting hundreds of thousands of self-harm incidents occur annually.
Dr Syed Usman Hamdani has highlighted several factors contributing to the mental health struggles of young Pakistanis, including academic pressure, substance abuse, cyberbullying, and family conflicts. In response to these challenges, initiatives like “Being” have been launched to improve mental well-being through research, innovation, and community engagement in Pakistan and other countries.
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Despite increasing awareness, up to 90 per cent of mental health needs among young people in low and middle-income countries like Pakistan remain unmet, primarily due to resource constraints. Stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are among the most prevalent issues, as outlined in a recent landscape analysis.
Meanwhile, Dr Zafar Mirza, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM), stressed the urgent need to destigmatise seeking mental health assistance. He pointed out that addressing the stigma is crucial for encouraging young people to seek help. During a panel discussion, experts recommended scaling up psychosocial interventions in educational institutions and promoting inter-sectoral collaborations to effectively tackle youth mental health issues.
Mental health experts from countries like Indonesia, Egypt, and Vietnam also shared their experiences and efforts in addressing similar youth mental health challenges, highlighting a global perspective on this critical issue.
