Mental illness in Pakistan.

There are hundreds of children in Pakistan who are suffering from some form of mental illness or mental disorder. It is said that many people are in need of help due to the disorders they have. The sad part is that there are not enough psychologists in Pakistan to deal with the mentally ill, and they have to endure significant suffering. Parents are reluctant to take their children to the doctor because they fear ridicule for havAing 'crazy' children.

These innocent children have nowhere to turn and go through a great deal of anguish. In the West, there are specialised doctors trained to deal with mental illAnesses, and there is help available for them. In our country, Pakistan, we do not adequately care for the mentally ill. We must not let the pleas of our fellow countrymen go unheard; we must help them and learn from the West.

There is a lack of proper menAtal health services in our counAtry, and this must change. There are misconceptions about menAtal illness and what it entails. ParAents often feel embarrassed when taking their children to the docAtor, not realising that they need counselling and assistance. FurAthermore, the...