MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: A STIGMA/ TABOO OR A SOCIAL WAKEUP CALL
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Date
2023-06-13
Authors
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Publisher
DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES KINNAIRD COLLEGE FOR WOMEN UNIVERSITY LAHORE,
Abstract
There is a high prevalence of mental health problems in Pakistan and low
mental health awareness given to people, which is hypothesized as one of the major
causes of increasing suicide cases these days. Worldwide, mental illnesses are rising
day by day, but Pakistan is especially challenged when it comes to mental health
problems. The population of Pakistan is around 200 million people, with devastated
mental health indices and a facility of less than 500 psychiatrists' consultations.
Judgement and discrimination among people severely exist in Pakistan. This
documentary is a meaningful depiction of how getting psychiatrist help can easily
kill the social stigma that exists in our society related to mental health problems.
There is no health without mental health. Publicly talking about taboo subjects in
order to create awareness is difficult, but it is mandatory now in order to stop mental
health from staying taboo/ stigma in Pakistan. Talking about mental health can
expose people's vulnerabilities and make them ask for help, which is why people
tend to avoid talking about mental health. Fear of judgement is another important
reason behind the avoidance.
Keywords: Mental Health Problems & Awareness, Taboo/Stigma, Pakistan,
Psychiatrist, Psychologist.