Millions in Pakistan Suffer from Mental Illness

Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection

Islamabad (6 September 2025) — Mental health has emerged as one of the most pressing public health challenges in Pakistan, with millions of people suffering from various forms of mental illness, according to health experts and recent studies.

Psychiatrists estimate that nearly one in four Pakistanis experiences some form of mental disorder during their lifetime, ranging from depression and anxiety to more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Alarmingly, women and young people are reported to be disproportionately affected.

Experts link the rise in mental health issues to multiple factors including poverty, unemployment, inflation, lack of awareness, and the stigma associated with seeking psychiatric help. Ongoing political instability and the aftermath of natural disasters, such as floods, have further exacerbated the crisis.

Despite the growing burden, Pakistan spends less than 1% of its total health budget on mental health services. The country has an acute shortage of psychiatrists, psychologists, and trained counselors — with fewer than 500 qualified psychiatrists serving a population of over 240 million.

Speaking at a recent health seminar, specialists urged the government to expand mental health facilities, integrate psychiatric care into primary healthcare, and launch awareness campaigns to tackle the stigma surrounding the issue.

Civil society groups have also called for school- and workplace-based mental health programs, emphasizing that early intervention could prevent thousands of suicides and improve quality of life for millions.