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Pakistan is going through an economic crisis; petrol prices are over the roof, and so is everyone’s stress level. It has been found that the declining economy is one of the main reasons for the declining mental health in Pakistan. There has been a significant increase in depression, anxiety, and suicide rates. Growing prices of everyday food products, fewer employment opportunities, and low wages are the primary concerns of Pakistanis these days. Let’s discuss how the economic crisis in Pakistan contributes to the mental health problems of its population.
Economic Problems causing Mental Health Issues in Pakistan
According to data gathered by the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Human Rights in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, poverty and economic hardships account for 50% of suicides in these cities. Moreover, research suggests that more than 90% of the people with mental disorders in Pakistan never get the treatment they require. It is primarily due to the lack of mental health professionals.
However, through Marham, you can now book an appointment or consult online with the Best psychologists in Pakistan. Listed below are some of the current economic problems of Pakistan that have a negative effect on mental health:
1. Growing Prices of Everyday Products
The recent drastic rise in petroleum prices in Pakistan has caused a significant uproar. Considering that a large proportion of the Pakistani population merely survives by making ends meet, this constant increase in prices has left them heartbroken and devastated over the last years. Consequently, the suicide rates in Pakistan have shot up, inability to pay debts and the burden of supporting a family being the main reasons.
Men are more likely than women to commit suicide in Pakistan because they are the sole earners in most households. Financial restraints also negatively affect your personal relationships. In fact, it has been indicated that an increase in the prices of commodities like petrol is associated with higher divorce rates.
2. Fixed Income and Declining Currency Value
Considering the increase in everyday product prices in Pakistan, people also expect a rise in their wages. However, it has been the opposite. Due to the pandemic, income levels have significantly dropped. A notable decline in the Pakistani currency value has occurred after the COVID-19 outbreak. Consequently, people face a substantial economic burden, causing feelings of anger, frustration, and disappointment, which eventually lead to depression and anxiety.
3. High Unemployment Rate
According to data, the unemployment rate in Pakistan has been on the rise for the past decade. After 2020, almost everyone in the country has faced a hard time finding a job, whether educated or illiterate. A significant number of people lost their jobs since many organizations decided to lay off extra employees due to the pandemic. Unemployment may induce feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem, and anxiety related to the future.
4. Exploitation at Work Places
It’s all work and no joy; people in the workforce are under constant pressure these days. After being loaded with work and excepted to perform under stressful conditions, they are still paid less. An employee is asked to give their best at all times, and the concept of work-life balance is meaningless in most organizations of our country.
Holding back benefits, frequent delays in salary payment, denying any form of compensation, and exploiting based on employee appearance are all examples of workplace exploitation in our country. The severest form of exploitation at work is harassment which Pakistani females commonly experience. All these problems cause harm to your mental health and instate symptoms of depression like loss of joy, inability to sleep, feeling of emptiness, and thoughts of suicide.
5. Work from Home, The New Normal
Social animals are now socially distancing! Undoubtedly, the work-from-home situation was formed to keep people safe, but it has also given rise to many mental health issues. Creating a work-life balance in WFH is quite hard. Many people fail to manage their time effectively and end up doing office work most of their day, leaving no time for family. This causes disturbances in close relationships and leads to mental instability.
Signs of Poor Mental Health
The common signs and symptoms of work-related poor mental health include the following:
- lack of concentration
- distraction
- constant worry
- indecisiveness
- loss of interest in activities
- low mood, crying
- feeling overwhelmed
- lack of energy or fatigue
- sleeping more or less
- avoiding social activities
- loss of control over emotions
- drinking or smoking more often
- irritability and short temper
- anger, aggression, and frustration
It is important to speak to a Therapist immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You can now consult with the best therapists at the Top hospitals in Pakistan.
The Bottom Line
Since there is uncertainty regarding when the ongoing economic crisis in Pakistan will end, all we can do right now is take good care of our mental health. A study has found that less than half of Pakistan’s population knows that psychological treatment exists in our country. While the rest resort to spiritual, social, or religious healing practices and believe psychological problems are myths. If unhealthy mental habits like overthinking, aggression, irritability, or constant worry are carried on for a long time, they can result in severe mental issues. Therefore, we must identify mental health issues and get professional help as soon as possible.
FAQs
1. What is inflation?
An increase in the price of goods and services is referred to as inflation.
2. How can I stop mental stress?
You can reduce your mental stress by participating in physical activities, discussing your problems with friends or family, practicing gratitude, and doing activities you like.
3. How does unemployment cause stress?
Besides financial instability, unemployment may cause one to feel unworthy and induce fear of the future, resulting in stress and anxiety.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the Top Psychologists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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