Stigma to Strength: Analyzing Mental Health in Pakistani Society

Abstract

We are living in the 21st century but mental health issues and problems are still a stigma and taboo in Pakistani society. Mental Health Statistics in Pakistan reveal an alarming picture. Approximately 50 million people or one in four Pakistanis experience mental health issues. The worsening situation of poverty, unemployment, social isolation, exam stress, and marriage pressure are some of the main reasons for mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and many more in Pakistani society. It is surprising that in this scientific and digital age, mental health is still a stigma in Pakistani society and has not been considered a curable disease. In this research, our aim is to find out the answer of such questions. To proceed our research, at first, we will try to find out the social, cultural, economic, educational and psychological reasons of this inhuman attitude of Pakistani society towards mental health and later on we will give our recommendations and suggestion to address this issue.

Key Words: Stigma, Illiteracy, Poverty, Superstitions, Lack of Awareness, Mental Illness, Social Attitudes