Mental health remains a taboo subject in many parts of Pakistani society
The recent heartbreaking incident in northern Karachi, in which a man set fire to his three children before self-immolation, has sent shockwaves through communities, calling for comprehensive reforms in support of mental health and child protection. The tragic loss of two innocent lives, with the third still struggling to stay alive in hospital, highlights the systemic inadequacies hampering efforts to address these critical issues.
Muhammad Arif’s descent into such a desperate act, attributed to emotional distress and his reliance on religious healers for treatment, reveals deep-rooted stigma and barriers limiting access to mental health care. Her story highlights the complex challenges individuals face when seeking help, highlighting the urgent need for destigmatization and improved accessibility to professional health services. Unfortunately, mental health remains a taboo subject in many parts of Pakistani society. This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help or receiving appropriate care, which worsens underlying mental health conditions and can lead to harmful consequences. Children, as the most vulnerable members of society, are particularly susceptible to the consequences of mental health problems within their families and communities. Cases of domestic violence, substance abuse, and untreated mental illness can significantly compromise a child’s safety and emotional well-being, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and harm.
To address this urgent problem, comprehensive public health campaigns to raise awareness of mental health issues and provide resources to those who need them must be launched. Additionally, efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms and improve support services for vulnerable children and their families are paramount. This includes expanding the availability of child-friendly mental health services, training health professionals in trauma-informed care, and integrating mental health education into school curricula. Such interventions can help pave the way for more tolerance in society.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th2024.
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