BY SHABINDA FARZEEN
Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet it remains a largely overlooked issue in many societies, including Pakistan. Among those most severely affected by mental health struggles are women, who face daily challenges that exacerbate their psychological health issues. From cultural barriers to societal expectations, Pakistani women encounter a myriad of obstacles that hinder their ability to seek help, express their emotions, and live a fulfilling life. This article delves into the mental health challenges faced by Pakistani women, the underlying causes, and the steps being taken to improve their psychological well-being.
Overlooked Mental Health Struggles of Women
Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, affect individuals of all genders, but women in Pakistan experience these issues more acutely due to the profound impact of social, economic, and cultural factors. The mental health problems of women in Pakistan are often neglected or misunderstood, leading to a lack of appropriate support and resources.
The most significant contributing factor to mental health struggles among Pakistani women is the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. Women are often expected to prioritize their roles as mothers, wives, and daughters over their own personal desires and well-being. This societal expectation leads to feelings of inadequacy, stress, and depression. Many women find themselves trapped in domestic roles, with little time or space to focus on their own needs. As a result, their emotional health deteriorates, and their mental well-being is compromised.
Furthermore, traditional gender roles act as a barrier to seeking help for mental health issues. Mental health remains a taboo topic in many regions of Pakistan, especially when it comes to women. Therapy or counseling is often seen as a source of shame, causing women to hide their struggles. This reluctance to seek help further exacerbates their mental health issues, as they remain untreated or ignored.
Gender-Based Violence and its Impact on Mental Health
Gender-based violence is another major contributing factor to mental health struggles among women in Pakistan. Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and emotional abuse are prevalent issues that significantly disrupt women’s mental peace. Many women silently endure this pain because they fear speaking out, lack the resources to escape abusive environments, or feel pressured by societal expectations to remain in toxic situations.
Women who experience violence and trauma often develop long-term mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health in Pakistani society prevents many women from discussing these issues, leading to further deterioration of their mental health. The silence surrounding abuse makes it more difficult for these women to seek help and receive the support they need.
Financial Dependence and its Psychological Consequences
Financial dependence on male relatives is a common issue for many women in Pakistan, especially in rural areas. This dependency often fosters a sense of helplessness because women have limited control over their financial situation. Financial insecurity can lead to anxiety and stress, particularly when women cannot contribute to the household income or lack access to economic opportunities.
The lack of economic independence leaves women feeling more powerless, which in turn has severe consequences for their mental health. Women who are financially dependent feel trapped in their circumstances and unable to escape cycles of poverty and abuse. This lack of agency can result in feelings of frustration, hopelessness, and depression, further exacerbating their mental health struggles.
Limited Access to Mental Health Services
Another significant barrier for women in Pakistan is the limited access to mental health services, particularly in rural areas. In urban centers, too, there is a shortage of qualified mental health professionals. Even when women manage to access mental health care, they often face long waiting times or prohibitive costs. This situation is particularly challenging for women from low-income families, who struggle to afford professional care.
The shortage of mental health professionals and the high cost of treatment make it difficult for women to seek the help they need. Additionally, many women lack awareness of available mental health services, which further prevents them from reaching out for support. The lack of affordable and accessible mental health care resources contributes to the worsening mental health crisis among women in Pakistan.
Steps Toward Improving Mental Health Care for Women in Pakistan
Despite the challenges, significant progress can be made in improving the mental health of women in Pakistan. A comprehensive approach, involving the government, civil society, and individuals, is essential for creating an environment that promotes mental well-being and empowers women to seek help when needed. Here are some crucial steps that can help improve the mental health situation of Pakistani women:
Raising Awareness and Eliminating Stigma
The first step in improving women’s mental health in Pakistan is raising awareness about mental health issues and eliminating the stigma surrounding them. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate people about the importance of mental health and the resources available for those who need help. These campaigns should target both men and women because changing societal attitudes towards mental health requires the involvement of the entire community.
One of the primary objectives should be to encourage women to openly discuss their mental health issues without fear of judgment or embarrassment. This can be achieved through media, community outreach, and the involvement of influential figures who can normalize conversations around mental health. By breaking the silence, it becomes easier for women to seek support and improve their well-being.
Empowering Women through Education and Economic Independence
Empowering women through education and economic independence is crucial to improving their mental health. When women have access to education and employment opportunities, they gain a sense of autonomy and confidence, which can significantly improve their psychological well-being. Educational programs should be designed to equip women with the skills and knowledge they need to build careers, manage finances, and become financially independent.
Moreover, workplace gender equality initiatives should be promoted to ensure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement and financial stability. By reducing financial dependence, not only can mental health issues related to economic insecurity be minimized, but it will also contribute to the creation of a more equitable society.
Improving Access to Mental Health Services
Improving access to mental health services is essential for the well-being of women in Pakistan. The government needs to invest in mental health care, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that women have access to the care they need. This investment should include increasing the number of mental health professionals, training healthcare workers to recognize and treat mental health issues, and providing affordable counseling services.
Telemedicine and online counseling services can also play a vital role in making mental health care more accessible, especially for women who face social or logistical barriers to attending in-person therapy sessions. These services should be promoted and made available nationwide to ensure that women can easily access the support they need.
Strengthening Legal Protections for Women
The government must strengthen laws and policies that protect women from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other forms of abuse. In addition to legal reforms, effective implementation and the establishment of support services such as shelters, legal aid, and counseling are essential for women who have experienced violence.
Awareness campaigns should also be conducted to educate women about their rights and available legal resources. Empowering women to report abuse and seek justice through legal channels is crucial for reducing the psychological impact of violence and creating a safer environment for women in Pakistan.
The mental health challenges faced by women in Pakistan are deeply rooted in social, cultural, and economic factors. From traditional gender roles and violence to limited access to mental health care, women in Pakistan face numerous struggles that negatively impact their mental well-being. However, with efforts to raise awareness, empower women, improve access to mental health services, and strengthen legal protections, significant strides can be made in improving the mental health of women in Pakistan.
Solving these issues requires a collective effort, with the government, civil society, and individuals all playing a part. By working together, we can create a society where women are empowered, supported, and able to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The mental health of women is an issue that affects not only individuals but society as a whole, and addressing it will contribute to the overall well-being of the nation.
