World Mental Health Day: 24% Pakistanis living under stress
World Mental Health Day is being observed to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
According to World Health Organization, the day is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right’ to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
It said that mental health is a basic human right for all people and everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. It said good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being.
It added that one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
In a message to the nation, President Dr Arif Alvi called for creating awareness about mental health as most mental illnesses could be cured in a cost-effective manner if diagnosed and managed at an early stage.
The president cited the National Commission of Human Rights of Pakistan saying that 24% of people in Pakistan were under stress which compounded with economic difficulties becomes an alarming situation.
He said the Day was observed with the theme that ‘Mental health was a universal human right’ to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, effects on the lives of people, need for family support, recognition of the problem, and overcoming social taboos to get professional help.
He said unfortunately, Pakistan had limited human and material resources to deal with this disease burden that affects an increasing number of adolescents, young people and women.
The president said the newspapers every day carried a few extreme stories of suicides as well as domestic violence even killings that can be traced back to the national psychiatric burden.
The president said Pakistan lacked trained and qualified human resources in this field, and it was highly imperative that tele-health centres to reached out to people in need.
He particularly urged the media, teachers, parents, religious scholars, celebrities, social media influencers and community leaders to understand this alarming situation, help remove social taboos that discourage discussion and getting help.
He said the figures about students under stress in colleges and universities are as high as 60%. He added that educational institutions and employers should provide an enabling environment to students and employees by ensuring a good work-life balance.
President Alvi also urged people to adopt healthier lifestyles, spend quality time with friends and family, and take regular exercise to reduce anxiety and stress levels.