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Silence No More: Mental Health Matters in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Another empty chair at the family dinner, another unanswered phone call, another mother staring at the door, waiting for a child who will never return. Suicide doesn’t just take a life; it leaves behind a void that words cannot fill. In Afghanistan and Pakistan, too many young people are losing this silent battle, crushed under the weight of despair, isolation, and a world that refuses to listen. Yet, their struggles remain hidden behind closed doors, spoken of only in hushed tones, as if silence could make the pain disappear. But silence has never saved anyone—it’s time we finally start talking.

The Mental Health Crisis in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Behind every headline of loss, there are untold stories of young lives cut short, overwhelmed by the weight of their struggles. The mental health crisis unfolding in Afghanistan, particularly highlighted by the alarming rise in suicide rates in Khost province, requires immediate attention. In 2024 alone, 72 suicides were reported in Khost; 38 among men and 34 among women. These tragic deaths reflect the immense social, economic, and mental health struggles that young individuals in Afghanistan face. A similar crisis exists in Pakistan, where suicide rates, although lower, are steadily rising, and the stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to seeking help.

Suicide remains a global issue, claiming millions of lives every year. While some areas are seeing a decline in suicide rates due to increased awareness and improved mental health care, the crisis persists, particularly in developing regions where mental health services remain limited or inaccessible. In 2021, approximately 703,000 people died by suicide worldwide, with a suicide rate of 9.0 per 100,000 population. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds, and men are more likely to die by suicide than women, with rates often more than twice as high. Developing countries, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, face specific challenges, including cultural taboos and inadequate mental health resources, which contribute significantly to this issue.

Also See: World Children’s Day – Struggles of Children of Pakistan & Afghanistan

The Alarming Rise in Suicide Rates in Afghanistan and Pakistan: A Shared Crisis

In both Afghanistan and Pakistan, young people face immense pressures, including economic insecurity, limited access to education, and uncertainty about the future, which contribute to rising suicide rates. Afghanistan’s struggles are compounded by years of political instability and violence, while Pakistan faces high unemployment, social marginalization, and a deep-seated stigma around mental illness. These barriers prevent youth from seeking help, escalating the crisis.

The Hidden Struggles of Men: A Gendered Mental Health Crisis

While much attention is given to women’s mental health, the struggles of men, particularly young men, are underreported. In Afghanistan, societal pressures on men to conform to traditional masculine roles prevent them from seeking help. A similar issue exists in Pakistan, where societal expectations contribute to feelings of shame and isolation. Both countries need accessible mental health services free from stigma to address these issues.

Traditional Healing and Limited Access to Professional Care

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan often rely on traditional healing methods, which, though culturally significant, are inadequate for addressing complex mental health issues. A severe shortage of trained mental health professionals and barriers to care—such as geography, finances, and stigma—further hinder access to proper treatment.

Decriminalizing Suicide in Pakistan: A Step Forward, But More Needs to Be Done

Pakistan decriminalized suicide in 2022, a crucial step in treating suicide as a public health issue. However, more reforms are needed, including expanding mental health services and public education. In Afghanistan, similar legal and social reforms are necessary to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.

In fact, a comprehensive approach is required, including expanding mental health services, reducing stigma, and improving social reforms such as access to education and employment. Strengthening legal protections, particularly for women and marginalized groups, is also crucial to addressing the root causes of mental health struggles.

Islamic Teachings on Suicide: Compassionate Guidance

Islamic teachings emphasize the sanctity of life and the importance of compassion toward those suffering. The Qur’an clearly states: “Do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands” (Qur’an 2:195), affirming that life is a precious gift from Allah. Suicide is strictly prohibited in Islam, and taking one’s life is seen as a grave sin with severe consequences in the afterlife.

However, Islam also stresses the importance of offering support to those in distress. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that the body and soul have rights over the individual, and those who are suffering must be treated with empathy, kindness, and care. While suicide is forbidden, Islam teaches that individuals must be supported and helped during times of hardship. This compassionate approach can help provide solace and guidance to individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts, showing them that they are not alone in their suffering.

Let’s Break the Silence and Make Mental Health a Priority

The stories of despair in Afghanistan and Pakistan are growing louder—young lives lost to the silent battle of mental health. In both countries, suicide rates are rising, yet the conversation remains hushed. It’s time for us, the youth, to rewrite this narrative. To be the generation that ends the silence, challenges the stigma, and demands the mental health support we desperately need.

We hold the power to lead change. By uniting across borders, we can push for better mental health care, more accessible resources, and a future where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength, not shame. Together, we can create platforms for dialogue, drive legal reforms, and shatter the cultural barriers preventing many from speaking out.

Now is the time for action. Let’s build a future where no young person feels forced to give up. Where mental health is prioritized, and people are empowered to live with dignity, purpose, and hope. It’s up to us to lead the charge—for ourselves, for our people and for the generations to come.

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