KARACHI: Karwan-e-Hayat, Institute for Mental Health Care hosted an event on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday late evening at a local hotel, which attracted health experts to discuss the subject.
This day represents the global commitment to focus on suicide prevention. The theme of WSPD 2021, “Creating hope through action,” reflected the need for collective action to address this urgent public health issue. The event focused that all members of society are responsible to take action to prevent suicide. It is estimated that globally every 40 seconds someone commits suicide.
Zaheeruddin Babar, CEO-KeH emphasized the need for society to take measures to identify people who might be on the verge of committing suicide and how we can help them. He further elaborated that suicide can be prevented through key evidence-based prevention measures which include restricting access to means for suicide (e.g. pesticides, etc.).
Ms Tamkeen K. Abbasi, Chief Communication Officer-KeH said that promoting good mental health can also play a key role in preventing suicide. She further commented that social stigma and a lack of awareness remain major barriers to help-seeking for suicide, highlighting the need for mental health literacy and anti-stigma campaigns.
It is estimated that about 15 million people suffer from mental disorders in Pakistan and approximately two million alone in Karachi. KeH provides modern therapy, pharmacology, and new community approaches, which makes the treatment of mental illness more holistic and effective. This paves way for the patient to return to a functional life. Last year alone KeH provided psychiatric treatment to more than 75,000 patients.
KeH has been at the forefront of psychiatric care and rehabilitation in Pakistan for more than 39 years. KeH remains one of the largest providers of mental health care in Pakistan, with a focus on poor and underserved sections of society, providing them free or highly subsidized quality care and rehabilitation.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Afridi, Dean, Faculty of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons; Prof. Dr. Haider Naqvi, Head of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences; Prof. Dr. Ejaz Ahmed Vohra, Director Post Graduate (Clinical), Dr. Ziauddin University and Prof. Dr. Qudsia Tariq, Chairperson Department of Psychology, University of Karachi also spoke on the occasion.
All the speakers empathized that Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts not only individuals but also families. The associated risk factors for suicide, such as a job or financial loss, trauma or abuse, mental and substance use disorders, and barriers to accessing health care, have been further amplified by COVID-19.