By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
There is not only a dearth of psychiatrists in Pakistan, but those that do exist are concentrated in urban clusters; there are also inequities between provinces. Therefore, patients in many parts of the country must travel long distances to access their services. Moreover, because of the pressure on the limited number of mental health professionals, consultations can be shockingly brief — sometimes only five to 10 minutes long. It is a situation ripe for misdiagnosis and unethical practices that can leave patients even worse off, or disillusioned with modern lines of treatment. Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being and affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
It is important that everyone has access to mental health services and support to ensure that they can lead fulfilling and healthy lives. Unfortunately, mental health care is often stigmatized, underfunded, and inaccessible, particularly for marginalized communities. This can result in untreated mental illness, which can lead to negative outcomes such as suicide, substance abuse, and chronic health conditions. To promote mental health for all, it is important to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and increase access to mental health services. This can be achieved through a combination of policy changes, education, and advocacy. Governments should invest in mental health services and ensure that they are integrated into primary healthcare systems. Mental health care should be made affordable and accessible to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. This can be achieved through the expansion of telehealth services and community-based care. In addition, education and awareness campaigns can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote mental health. These campaigns can be targeted at schools, workplaces, and the general public to increase understanding and encourage people to seek help when needed. Overall, promoting mental health for all requires a collaborative effort from individuals, communities, and governments. By working together, we can create a society where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has access to the care and support they need. The government must give mental healthcare the importance it deserves, announce a national mental health policy and introduce incentives to attract more individuals to this sector.
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