Mental health crisis reaches boiling point

October 10 marked World Mental Health day, prompting psychiatrists to sound the alarm on the devastating repercussions of silence surrounding mental health and emphasise the urgent need for collective action to educate people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, as mental health concerns continue to rise alarmingly. Renowned Psychiatrist Nargis Asad from the Aga Khan University Hospital stressed the need to break down barriers to mental health care and to dismantle the obstacles that prevent individuals from seeking help. She also emphasised the need to educate communities about mental health, normalise conversations and promote empathy. “It is time to prioritise mental health equity and ensure everyone has access to quality care, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location,” she explained. “Timely diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses are crucial to preventing mental disorders and related issues,” she said, adding that unfortunately, major challenges associated with mental healthcare include delayed treatment due to lack of awareness, false beliefs, and stigma attached to mental health problems.