DROWNING IN DESPAIR.

KARACHI -- Omar Bangulzai, a labourer in his thirties from Mastung, Balochistan lives in a state of constant fear. After the town was devastated by a deadly bombing that claimed at least 53 lives, he now avoids crowded markets and mosques to preserve his mental well-being amidst the ongoing conflict in Balochistan.

"I have become paranoid after the devastating bombing," shared Bangulzai. "You never know when someone might detonate a bomb," he added. He had left the bombing site just minutes before the attack. 'I am mentally so distressed that I have changed my daily routine now. I avoid crowded place. I did not even go for Friday prayers because the mosque is packed on Fridays'.

As the world observed World Mental Health Day on October 10, residents of Balochistan continue to face mounting mental health challenges due to various factors including worsening law and order, natural disasters, inflation, and limited opportunities.

After the 2022 super flood that claimed 336 lives, Balochistan witnessed a mental health crisis. Mental health issues escalated significantly in districts ravaged by the flood. In total, 34 out of 36 districts in Balochistan were affected, with over 426,897 homes damaged or destroyed and 1,230 km of crops lost.

The flood left thousands unemployed, particularly in Lasbela, Jhal Magsi, Dera Murad Jamali, and Nasirabad localities. Working as a psychologist on behalf of the Peoples Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI-Balochistan) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), I encountered dozens of individuals, especially youngsters, who contemplated ending their lives due to the dire economic conditions and the uncertainty in the aftermath of the flood. In a region that has long been plagued by poverty and violence.

One such case was Raheem Dad, a man over 60, residing in Wayaro village in Lasbela. A general physician referred him to me. The 2022 flood killed his son and grandson after their mud house collapsed and turned to rubble. Dad's son was his only emotional and financial support.

Dad suffers from severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. "I'm old and weak, and I must care for my daughter-in-law, whose husband was taken by the flood," he shared his grief. A limited social circle left him desperately needing someone to talk to. 'I pray Allah takes my life,' the distressed man said.

During our sessions together, I helped him open up and communicate through mental and psychological...