In western countries it is quite normal for people to visit a psychiatrist. The topic itself creates images of a comfortable sofa popularly known as “The Couch” with the patient opening his or her heart to the psychiatrist in the belief that here is one person who will resolve all the emotional and mental problems faced by the patient.

Here in Pakistan it is quite a different ball game altogether. First of all, there is a dearth of psychiatrists in the country. According to latest available reports, there are believe it or not about 15 million people, which is one in four people in Pakistan, suffering from some form of mental illness or the other but for this huge number only 400 trained psychiatrists are in the field to offer treatment. There are also a few mental health units in teaching and general hospitals.

Not only is there a paucity of psychiatrists but even the patients are reluctant to get in touch with one, given the stigma mental health problems carry in the country. Here the word ‘Pagal’ defines........

© Business Recorder