Mental health specialists warn that persistent financial strain, job insecurity, debt, and uncertainty about the future are associated with increasing cases of depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, family conflict, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They say expanding access to mental health services is becoming increasingly important as economic challenges continue.
Financial Stress Taking a Toll on Mental Health
Clinical psychologist Fatima Tahir said an imbalance between income and household expenses creates sustained psychological stress that can develop into depression, anxiety, anger, fear, and feelings of hopelessness.
She added that without timely psychological support, these conditions may contribute to physical illnesses, social isolation, and strained family relationships.
Poverty and Mental Illness Can Reinforce Each Other
Dr. Ayesha Imran Murtaza, a psychiatrist and psychiatric social worker who has worked at Fountain House for two decades, said rising inflation, unemployment, poverty, and financial hardship are major factors driving the spread and severity of mental illnesses.
According to Dr. Murtaza, people with low incomes are particularly vulnerable because financial hardship, traumatic life experiences, and limited family support can worsen mental health conditions.
She noted that poverty and mental illness often form a cycle, making it difficult to determine whether poverty contributes to illness or illness leads to poverty. She added that many patients struggle to afford medication, increasing the risk of recurring mental health episodes.
Survey Highlights Scale of Mental Health Burden
According to the Pakistan Psychiatric Society’s National Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (2019–2022), 32.3% of Pakistan’s adult population is living with a mental health disorder, while 37.9% have experienced a mental health condition at some point in their lives.
The survey found that anxiety, psychological stress, and depression are the most common conditions, with women, low-income groups, and urban residents disproportionately affected.
Shortage of Mental Health Professionals
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 24 million people in Pakistan require mental health services.
However, the country has a limited mental health workforce. According to available figures, Pakistan has approximately 300 to 340 psychiatrists, meaning there is roughly one psychiatrist for every 700,000 to 800,000 people. The country also has around 478 psychologists, 3,145 social workers, and 22 occupational rehabilitation therapists.
Calls for Greater Investment in Mental Healthcare
Pakistan Psychiatric Society President Prof. Wajid Ali Akhundzada said one in four young people and one in five children experience psychological problems, while around 10% of the population is affected by substance use.
He said the growing demand for mental healthcare has outpaced available specialists and treatment facilities, stressing the need to make mental health a priority in national health and social policies.
Meanwhile, the Punjab government is upgrading the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) in Lahore to expand psychiatric treatment, emergency services, addiction rehabilitation, and training programs. Officials also plan to extend mental health services to district- and tehsil-level public hospitals.
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