Iqra Rasheed Sial
“Mental health affects every aspect of life. It’s not just this neat little issue you can put into a box.”Mental health problems are globally recognized as a major social issue which needs to be addressed aggressively. Although 30% to 50% of the world population is expected to be suffering from some form of mental illness. Pakistan track record on mental health issues is not significant as estimated that there are over 50 million people suffering from a mental health disorder. Mental illnesses are rising alarmingly worldwide. Mental ill health can affect people of any age and in a variety of forms such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia and comes with costs consequences that impact individuals, families and careers, health and social systems, society and economy. Social and economic inequality and exclusion are both a cause and consequence of mental ill health: poor mental health is consistently associated with unemployment, less education, low income or standard of living, poor physical health, adverse life events, poor quality of life and stigma.Given the above, mental health should be considered as physical health. The covid-19 crisis, which is severely impacting levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness across the Pakistan and the world, also underlines the urgency of appropriate attention for mental health. Pakistani Government should give attention on the mental issues and make strategy for the improvement of psychological health. Strategy should be comprehensive and address mental health in all its aspects i.e the prevention of mental ill health and mental health promotion, treatment and care; it should also cover all relevant policy sectors beyond health, including social, employment, finance, education and human rights policies. There is a need to establish rehabilitation centers across the country for mental health crises and provides 24 hours assistance to public. Although, the government has initiated such steps but only limited to the main cities but these initiatives should be extended to even rural area where majority of population is living. Government of Pakistan should pay attention to the impact of all its policies and vice versa. It can also mainstream mental health into wider policy development and provide financial support and projects. Furthermore, government can support awareness raising and help reduce stigma. It can also encourage investment in mental health competences of professionals in the field of social protection, education, finance, research and human rights. Finally, it can support data collection and research as well as help collect and disseminate practice. The above could be the building blocks to overcome the mental illness. Preventing mental ill health and promoting good mental health will have a huge and positive impact both in terms of individual well-being( of those affected as well their loved ones) as well as in terms of the labour market, social cohesion, economic growth and development.Government should support mental healthcare professionals, representative organizations of patient and academia to ensure comprehensive, appropriate and relevant action.
