Married women, single men under 30 most likely to commit suicide in Pakistan: experts
October 10, 2019
Mental health experts on Wednesday said that married women and single men under the age of 30 in Pakistan are among groups most likely to commit suicide.
Research showed that Pakistan’s highest-risk groups for suicide were different to those in other parts of the world. In the West, single men between the age of 50 and 60 are most likely to take their own lives.
Speaking at various awareness activities in connection with World Mental Health Day 2019, leading psychiatrists of the country said the number of people with depression and anxiety stands at 33 percent in Pakistan.
Also read: Nimrita Kumari's death occurred due to suffocation: report
Thousands of people, including men, women and teenagers, commit suicide in Pakistan every year, and the ratio of depression and anxiety is four to five times higher in Pakistan as compared to the rest of the world.
Terming depression the main cause of suicide, the experts urged people to seek medical assistance from trained and qualified mental health experts, help others in living a happy life to enjoy their own lives.
The experts were speaking at a seminar organised by the Department of Psychiatry, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. It was addressed by IGP Gilgit Baltistan Dr Sanaullah Abbasi and eminent psychiatrist Prof Haroon Ahmed, among others.
Thousands of people, including men, women and teenagers, commit suicide in Pakistan every year, and the ratio of depression and anxiety is four to five times higher in Pakistan as compared to the rest of the world.
Also read: Karbala stampede claims 31 lives during Ashura commemorations
Prof Iqbal Afridi, head of the JPMC’s Department of Psychiatry and president of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, said that although medication and psychotherapy are necessary for mentally ill-patients with suicidal behaviour, folk wisdom can play a vital role.
“We listen to many songs which are pro-suicide, we should discourage such songs, because a person facing a depression-like situation and listening to such songs may become emotional and reach a high level of anxiety.”
Over the course of the week, students and staff at the university participated in support group sessions and wellness camps designed to promote mental wellbeing.
Read more
