BY : Batool Jessor,
Student of Szabist Karach.
KARACHI : Mental health has been a taboo in our society since generations. Often assumed as an
‘illness of the rich’; serious and commonly found mental health issues like anxiety and depression have been ignored to avoid the stigma of a mad person. This constant trail of untreated mental health issues have now been passed on through generations building up a history of trauma. The initial obstacle is the society and its mindset who degrades those who confronts their illness; by portraying their internal issues as an escape from their problems. From students under an overwhelming peer pressure, to almost every individual suffering under this overbearing economical and financial crisis. In 2019 anxiety disorders were reported to affect 301 million people stating to be the world’s most common mental disorder. Despite it being a highly treatable disorder only 1 out of four with anxiety disorder receive treatment. It is normal for people to comment on someone with anxiety to call them out for being a coward, weak, and how they are unable to control their emotions. But this negativity is in fact the reason as to why the people suffering get stuck in a continuous state of self doubt leading them to completely disregard their symptoms which is a major reason why many people with depression and other mental disorders are often found suffering from different types of anxiety disorders too varying from social anxiety to various phobia-related disorders. There are multiple solutions to change the mindset of the society from awareness programs, to making its treatment accessible and affordable for the masses. But what’s most important is to take the first step towards initiating a change; which is why we should be more proactive in raising our voices and act towards the betterment of our society.
