Khudi – Mental Health Awareness in Pakistan
Khudi – Mental Health Awareness in Pakistan
In recent years, the topic of mental health awareness in Pakistan has slowly started to get the attention it deserves. Once seen as a taboo subject, mental health is now being discussed in schools, workplaces, and even homes. Despite this progress, there is still a long way to go when it comes to understanding, accepting, and providing proper mental health care.
This blog looks at the current state of mental health in Pakistan, the difficulties people face in getting support, and how groups and communities can work together to build a culture of kindness and healing.
Mental health is about our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. However, in Pakistan, mental health problems are often not understood or are even seen as a sign of weakness, lack of faith, or supernatural causes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 24 million people in Pakistan suffer from mental health issues — that’s almost one out of every ten people. Common problems include depression, anxiety, stress disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Sadly, most of these people do not get proper treatment because there is not enough awareness, and there is a lot of social stigma. Also, mental health services are limited.
One of the biggest problems for mental health awareness in Pakistan is the stigma around it. Many people fear being called “crazy” or “weak” if they talk about their emotional pain. In traditional families, mental illness is often considered a source of shame and is kept hidden from society.
This silence stops people from getting help on time. Instead of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist, many turn to spiritual healers, herbal treatments, or isolate themselves — which can make their condition worse and delay recovery.
To break this stigma, education is key. When people learn that mental illness is not a moral failing but a health issue like diabetes or heart disease, they can start to see it with more compassion and less judgment.
Pakistan is facing a big shortage of mental health professionals and facilities. According to official reports, there are less than 600 psychiatrists and an even smaller number of trained clinical psychologists to serve more than 240 million people.
Most mental health services are available in big cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, leaving rural and low-income areas with very little or no access. Also, treatment can be expensive, and with limited insurance, many people cannot afford therapy or medication.
This shows the urgent need for the government to invest in mental health facilities, community counseling programs, and public awareness campaigns to spread knowledge and make it easier for people to seek help.
Pakistan has one of the world’s largest youth populations — nearly 64% of its people are under 30. Young people today face a lot of pressure from academic competition, unemployment, social media, and family expectations.
As a result, there are more cases of anxiety, depression, and even suicide among students and young adults. Unfortunately, most schools and universities don’t have counseling services or mental health programs. Many students are left struggling in silence.
Introducing mental health education in school curriculums, offering support groups, and training teachers to recognize early signs of distress could make a big difference in helping young people become healthier and more understanding.
Over the past few years, many organizations have worked to raise awareness of mental health in Pakistan. Groups like The Recovery House, Rozan, CareForHealth, Umang Pakistan, and Khudi have been working hard to educate communities, train counselors, and offer affordable therapy.
Digital platforms and social media have also played a big role. Through online workshops, webinars, and storytelling efforts, these organizations help start conversations about mental health and provide safe spaces for people to share their experiences without fear of being judged.
The efforts of these NGOs show that change is possible when people show compassion and take action.
Awareness is the first step toward healing.
National events like World Mental Health Day (October 10) and Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) are becoming more visible in Pakistan, with social media campaigns, community events, and public talks encouraging open discussions.
However, awareness shouldn’t be only on a single day.
Every conversation, poster, or social media post that helps break the stigma contributes to a larger movement of acceptance and understanding.
The more we talk about mental health, the easier it is for people to get help and feel less alone.
You don’t need to be a psychologist to make a difference.
Small actions in your everyday life can create a big impact in your community.
Here’s how you can help:
