Why Is Mental Health Still Socially Taboo?

First Off

Talking about mental health issues is frowned upon nearly everywhere in the globe. Those impacted are said to be victims of witchcraft or to be under the influence of bad spirits. Sometimes, sufferers are blamed by society for their ailments. Abnormal or violent conduct is a common side effect of many mental diseases. This kind of behavior is likely to elicit hatred, contempt, or fear. Many places still respond to violent, uncontrollable behavior—or even profound depression—with electroshocks, beatings, or jail.

The prevalence of mental diseases is rising worldwide, and Pakistan has particular challenges in this regard. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic aftermath and ongoing natural calamities like the floods have a compounding effect on Pakistanis' mental health. Unfortunately, there is still a taboo around mental health in Pakistan, which contributes to the rising number of people living with untreated mental diseases.

A worldwide day of advocacy, education, and de-stigmatization of mental illness is observed on World Mental Health Day. The day set aside for Mental Health Day commemoration is October 10. On this World Mental Health Day, let's draw attention to the reasons why mental health is still stigmatized. By doing so, we can identify the underlying causes and create effective mitigation strategies.

Mental Health System

With one of the lowest mental health indices and less than 500 psychiatrists per million people, Pakistan is home to almost 200 million people. Because there are insufficient mental health professionals in Pakistan, almost 90% of the country's population with common mental illnesses receive no treatment at all. The stigma attached to mental health persists despite the fact that there seems to be a growing awareness of mental health issues and the shortage of psychiatrists in Pakistan.

Additionally, there are other issues related to mental health services. It is regarded as a luxury, forbidden, and something that ought to be hidden.

The reasons for taboo on mental health

A tabu, also known as a taboo, is a limitation on something because of cultural beliefs that it is very repulsive, holy, or only acceptable to certain individuals. Taboo subjects are all those things that are happening but are not acceptable to discuss. One can evaluate the level of mental health education lacking in a nation where the terms "crazy" and "mental" are used interchangeably. It's still taboo to discuss mental health since derogatory phrases are associated with it nationwide.

All things related to "men don't cry"

The terrible yet highly pervasive phrases "man up!" and "men don't cry" are extremely disturbing. As a result, a mindset that males are incapable of feeling emotions and ought not to display them grows. This has a profound effect on how guys develop mentally and how they express their emotions. Men become more aggressive and violent when they suppress their weaknesses. Men are more prone than women to experience despair and commit suicide because they are expected to keep their feelings to themselves.

The taboo around mental health in Pakistan strengthens when the country's 51.4% male population is instructed to keep their feelings to themselves and avoid discussing mental health.

Patients with mental health seek assistance from spiritual healers.

Many individuals in Pakistan completely rely on religious healers to treat their psychiatric diseases because the majority of people there tend to think that mental health issues and religion are related. Spirituality has the power to soothe individuals and maybe alleviate problems. Still, it might be risky to rely solely on faith. Furthermore, denying the existence of actual mental health problems and painting them in a different light help keep mental health stigmatized.

referring to mental illnesses as a sin or a result of a lack of religious connection

In Pakistan, mental health issues are taboo since many, particularly the elderly, think that mental illnesses are only brought on by a person's disassociation from religion. People are prevented from receiving the essential medical assistance for mental health difficulties by the notion that praying regularly and adhering to a religious regimen may completely cure mental diseases.

Mental illnesses classified as paranormal or supernatural

When attempting to explain psychological suffering via the use of witchcraft, divine punishment, ghosts and demons, people are more likely to resort to metaphysical therapies. For centuries, people have trusted in traditional healers and spiritual leaders who perform ceremonies, rites, and exorcisms. Psychotherapy and scientifically based psychiatric procedures are significantly less widespread in many parts of the world.

Mental health services are viewed as a luxury.

The fact that mental healthcare is viewed as a luxury is another reason mental health is taboo in Pakistan. You hear folks discussing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. But individuals often avoid talking about mental health issues because they believe it is something we cannot afford to discuss.

An assessment and an exclusion

In Pakistan, there is a considerable deal of interpersonal judgment and prejudice. People have been treating one other unfairly on the basis of race, color, gender, and even illness. People are often insulted by terms like "Pagal" (mad) and "Nafsiyati" (mentally challenged), which makes them afraid to discuss mental health concerns.

In our culture, there are a number of societal stigmas that not only have an impact on people's mental health but also make it more taboo. For example, divorce carries a lot of social shame in Pakistan. The pair will have to deal with a lot of criticism if they choose to end their relationship. Women are particularly affected because they worry that if they file for divorce, their friends and relatives would reject them. Many women are financially dependent, which makes it more difficult for them to pursue separation. This keeps a lot of couples in miserable relationships and severely damages their mental health.

In Pakistan, societal stigma not only hurts adults but also contributes to the taboo around children's mental health. Most schools lack mental health counselors, and teachers often treat bullying-related concerns carelessly. In Pakistan, it's typical to hear comments like "man up" and "why are you crying like a child," which discourage kids and teenagers from discussing their mental health.

stigmatized domestic violence

Pakistani couples are indoctrinated to believe that domestic violence is a family matter and should be kept private. The glamorization of giving in to pressure from males, especially on matters of physical and psychological abuse, contributes to Pakistan's stigma around mental health. Persistent abuse can lead to the development of depression and PTSD, increase the risk of drug dependence, and even increase the risk of suicide in both men and women.