World observes Mental Health Day today

KARACHI: World Mental Health Day is being observed across the globe today.

The day aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and enlist efforts to support mental health.

Every year the World Health Organization (WHO) designates a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

This year the focus is on suicide prevention. Every 40 seconds someone loses their life to suicide

According to the WHO, one in four people suffers from some form of mental illness. It is estimated that almost 800,000 people commit suicide every year.

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By 2020, depression might overtake other diseases to become the leading cause of death across the world.

Pakistan has the second youngest population in the world, the discourse around mental health remains extremely limited.

It has been estimated by the Pakistan Association of Mental Health that more than 34 percent of the population is affected by mental illness, but they remain denied of adequate treatment.

The main reason is due to the lack of facilities and the societal disgrace attached to the subject.

Reportedly, some 13,000 people commit suicide every year in Pakistan, and more than 95 percent of them suffer from mental disorders.