Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Pakistan: A New Approach
In South Asia, especially in Pakistan, mental health often hides behind closed doors, muffled by family pride, cultural expectations, and societal norms. But what if those unspoken rules are part of the problem? What if the very traditions we hold dear—the need to maintain family honor, the gender roles we unquestioningly accept, or the never-ending pressure to appear perfect—are suffocating our mental well-being?
Mental health isn’t just a matter of brain chemistry or a bad day. It’s influenced by the world we live in: the socioeconomic class we are born into, the politics of family honor, and the daily media that shapes our thoughts. Mental health issues are closely intertwined with these cultural stressors in places like Pakistan. For many, these pressures create an overwhelming weight, making it harder to breathe, think, and live freely.
This blog is not another mundane lecture about depression or anxiety. We’re going deeper, unpacking how mental health in Pakistan is shaped by forces like poverty, family politics, and gender biases—issues that most people overlook or dismiss as “just the way things are.” Whether it’s how we perceive mental disabilities or the stress that comes from rigid gender roles, I’ll offer unique insights that show the complexity of these challenges. Let’s start pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest influences on mental health: cultural perceptions of mental health problems.
Mental Health and Cultural Perception
In sociopolitical conservative societies like Pakistan, where cultural beliefs heavily influence how people view health and illness, mental health is often seen through a distorted lens. For many, mental health is not treated as an issue requiring care and attention but as something to be hidden. This misconception stems from a lack of awareness and the deep-rooted cultural myths that have surrounded mental health for generations.
In many communities within Pakistan, mental disabilities are viewed as a curse or punishment for past sins. Traditional beliefs often ascribe supernatural causes to mental illnesses, blaming “evil eyes,” “black magic,” or divine retribution for someone’s mental struggles. While these beliefs may provide an explanation within the cultural context, they ultimately push those suffering further into isolation. People are discouraged from seeking professional help, and instead, they turn to faith healers or other ineffective, sometimes harmful, methods. These cultural misunderstandings worsen the mental health burden on individuals, leaving them unsupported and misunderstood.
Cultural Misunderstandings and Mental Health
In communities where education about mental health is limited, individuals with mental disabilities face harsh labels. They are often dismissed as being “psycho” or “broken” by people who have little understanding of the complexity of mental health. Families trying to preserve their honor may hide relatives with disabilities, avoiding social interactions that could “expose” the condition.
For people from underprivileged backgrounds, these problems are even more severe. Poverty compounds the issue, as people are unable to access mental health services or even primary education about mental well-being. The misconception that mental disabilities are signs of personal failure or divine punishment discourages any form of treatment or intervention. The result? A vicious cycle where cultural ignorance exacerbates mental health struggles, trapping individuals in silence and despair.
Psychological Impact of Mislabeling
The emotional toll of being labeled as “cursed,” “unfixable,” or “crazy” is immense. Individuals in conservative societies, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, often internalize these harmful labels. They begin to believe that they are indeed worthless or beyond help. This internalized stigma breeds feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. People with mental disabilities are left feeling ashamed, hiding their symptoms, and avoiding the very help they need to recover. The social rejection they face further limits their access to support systems, increasing their risk of long-term mental health problems.
The Weight of Socioeconomic Status and Mental Health
In Pakistan, poverty is not just a financial issue—it’s a psychological burden that weighs heavily on the mind. Chronic poverty subjects individuals to constant stress, a relentless pressure that erodes mental health over time. When you’re unsure how you’ll put food on the table or pay the rent, your brain is in a state of constant alert. This financial insecurity leads to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness, which only worsen as the stress compounds.
Poverty as a Stressor
In impoverished communities, unemployment is rampant, and access to basic healthcare is limited or nonexistent. This means that not only are people struggling to meet their basic needs, but they are also unable to seek help for the mental health conditions that arise from this constant stress. The daily grind of survival leaves little room for emotional well-being. People in poverty often develop a heightened sense of vulnerability, constantly worrying about the future, their family’s well-being, and how they are perceived by others. The cumulative effect of these stressors can push individuals to emotional and psychological breaking points.
Education, Class, and Psychological Strain
Being stuck in a cycle of undereducation exacerbates the challenges of poverty, creating a psychological strain that is hard to escape. In many lower-income households, the opportunities for upward mobility through education are limited. For those who never receive proper schooling or who are forced to drop out of work, the sense of failure and inadequacy becomes deeply internalized.
Class distinctions in Pakistan are deeply ingrained in society, and the shame that comes with being “lower class” further negatively impacts mental health. People from impoverished backgrounds often feel inadequate when they cannot live up to the “respectable” societal standards set by wealthier families. The pressure to conform to these standards, despite not having the financial resources to do so, creates a constant state of stress and emotional distress. This disparity in resources leads to feelings of inferiority and erodes one’s sense of self-worth.
Cycle of Poverty and Mental Disabilities
The relationship between poverty and mental health is cyclical and deeply intertwined. Mental disabilities, whether diagnosed or not, can limit a person’s ability to hold a job, pursue education, or maintain stable relationships. This, in turn, worsens their financial situation, as opportunities to improve their economic standing are severely restricted. Without a stable income, people with mental disabilities are often pushed further into poverty, unable to access even the most basic support systems.
At the same time, the stress of financial hardship can worsen pre-existing mental health conditions or contribute to the development of new ones. The psychological toll of constantly being in survival mode leaves little room for personal growth or healing. As poverty deepens, so does the sense of despair, creating a vicious cycle that seems almost impossible to break.
Family Honor, Politics, and Psychological Conflict
In Pakistan, family honor is often seen as a reflection of personal virtue, binding the reputation of the family to the actions of its members, especially women. This cultural framework, deeply rooted in patriarchal and conservative traditions, exerts immense pressure on individuals to conform to rigid expectations. Quite frequently, the psychological cost of upholding this honor goes unnoticed, creating deep internal conflicts that affect mental health, personal identity, and emotional well-being.
Family Honor and Control
In many Pakistani families, maintaining family honor is paramount. Individual desires and well-being are frequently sacrificed to uphold the family’s reputation. This is particularly true for women, who are expected to embody the family’s respectability. Decisions about education, marriage, and even personal freedom are regularly made with the family’s honor in mind. A woman’s choices are scrutinized to such an extent that her autonomy is severely compromised, leaving her with little room to express herself freely.
The constant surveillance of family members by other family members adds another layer of psychological burden. Every action is watched, evaluated, and judged through the lens of family honor, creating an environment where individuality is suppressed. The emotional toll of this scrutiny can lead to severe anxiety, fear of making mistakes, and the feeling of being trapped in roles that do not align with personal desires. The mind becomes conditioned to prioritize the family’s image over personal happiness, leading to internal conflicts and mental exhaustion.
Family Politics and Emotional Manipulation
Family politics are another source of mental strain. In many households, power dynamics are heavily influenced by manipulation, control, and favoritism. Parents, elders, or even siblings may use emotional manipulation to maintain control over certain members of the family, particularly the younger generation. These power plays often involve favoritism, where one child is given preferential treatment while others are sidelined or neglected.
This manipulation can have devastating psychological effects on children and young adults. Feelings of inadequacy, jealousy, and low self-esteem emerge when individuals perceive that their worth is being measured not by their abilities or achievements but by how well they conform to the family’s demands. Mental health concerns are often downplayed or outright ignored, as families focus more on preserving their external image than addressing internal struggles. This environment fosters an unspoken rule: emotions, particularly those tied to mental health, are best kept hidden to avoid tarnishing the family’s reputation.
Guilt and Shame as Cultural Tools
Guilt and shame are powerful tools used to maintain family control. They are weaponized to suppress personal autonomy and discourage individuals from making independent decisions like marrying out of family, love marriage, or choosing an unconventional career path. When someone steps outside the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable, guilt is immediately imposed—whether explicitly through harsh words or implicitly through silence and coldness. Shame is invoked to discourage individuality and personal autonomy, trapping individuals in a cycle of self-repression and transgenerational trauma. Simply put, the fear of being labeled as “disobedient” or “selfish” compels many to suppress their true selves. This internal conflict leads to deep emotional wounds, creating a pervasive sense of inadequacy.
This emotional manipulation serves to reinforce the idea that stepping out of line is not just a personal failure but a failure that brings shame to the entire family. Over time, this dynamic can lead to anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of worthlessness. People begin to internalize that their self-worth is tied to how well they conform to the family’s expectations rather than their own aspirations or emotional well-being.
The use of guilt and shame not only curtails personal growth but also creates a cycle of emotional dependence on family approval. This reliance on external validation makes it increasingly difficult for individuals to assert their own identities, leading to chronic feelings of frustration, helplessness, and diminished self-worth. The psychological impact of such cultural tools is profound, leaving lasting scars that often go unrecognized or untreated.
The Media’s Influence on Mental Health: A Double-Edged Sword
The media is one of the most powerful forces shaping the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of society. In South Asia, particularly Pakistan, the influence of television, news, and social media on mental health is undeniable. While the media has the potential to educate and empower, it also reinforces harmful stereotypes, generates fear, and perpetuates unrealistic ideals. Depending on how the content is consumed and internalized, this dual impact can either uplift or erode mental well-being. The media, often viewed as a reflection of society, subtly molds how people perceive themselves and the world around them.
Television Dramas and Cultural Narratives
Television dramas in Pakistan are central to everyday life, especially for women and families. However, the cultural narratives they project often reinforce outdated stereotypes and rigid gender roles. Many dramas romanticize the idea of women being submissive, dependent, or sacrificial for the sake of family honor. Conversely, men are typically portrayed as breadwinners and protectors, rarely displaying vulnerability or emotional depth—for example, Safeer (Ali Rehman Khan) of ARY’s Noor Jahan.
Such portrayals deeply affect viewers’ self-perception. Women may feel pressure to conform to these unrealistic standards of devotion and obedience, often sacrificing their personal ambitions. They internalize the idea that their worth is tied to their roles as wives, mothers, and caretakers. This creates an emotional conflict between their desires for independence and the cultural expectations imposed on them, leading to low self-esteem, anxiety, or even depression.
Similarly, the idealization of family life in dramas sets an unattainable standard. Many people find themselves comparing their real-life struggles to the fictional, perfect families they see on TV, which only exacerbates feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction. The unrealistic portrayal of relationships, marriages, and family dynamics distorts people’s understanding of what is healthy and achievable, further contributing to mental health struggles.
News, Fear, and Social Anxiety
In addition to dramas, the news media plays a significant role in shaping the mental health of society. News outlets often focus on sensationalism, highlighting violence, political instability, and economic crises. In countries like Pakistan, where economic hardship and political unrest are already prevalent, constant exposure to negative news creates a pervasive sense of fear and helplessness.
This relentless bombardment of distressing news feeds social anxiety. People begin to feel that the world is spiraling out of control, and they become overwhelmed by feelings of powerlessness. The fear generated by negative news cycles can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and even depression, especially in communities that are already struggling economically. The psychological toll of living in a constant state of alertness, anticipating the next crisis, can have long-lasting effects on mental well-being.
The Reinforcement of Gender Bias in the Media
Gender bias in the media is another significant factor affecting mental health, particularly for women. Patriarchal norms are deeply ingrained in South Asian culture, and the media often perpetuates these ideas. Television shows, advertisements, and even news reports objectify women and tend to reinforce the notion that women should be dependent on men for financial security, decision-making, and social validation.
This constant messaging takes a toll on women’s self-esteem and career aspirations. When women are consistently depicted as secondary to men, they may start to believe that their ambitions, opinions, and independence are not valued. The internalization of these limiting beliefs can lead to mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
The media’s reinforcement of patriarchal values also contributes to the perpetuation of gender inequality in broader society. By continually showcasing women in traditional roles and men as dominant, the media limits the potential for women to challenge societal norms and pursue their own paths. This can have a significant psychological impact, stifling the personal growth and autonomy necessary for mental and emotional well-being.
Gender Bias and Sexual Control in the Lives of Women and Men
Gender bias and sexual control play a significant role in shaping the mental health of both women and men. Women are regularly subjected to rigid expectations about their roles within the family and society. At the same time, men bear the burden of living up to ideals of masculinity that leave little room for vulnerability. These dynamics create a psychological environment where autonomy, self-expression, and emotional well-being are sacrificed for societal norms. The mental health consequences of this system can be devastating, leading to trauma, repression, and unresolved emotional struggles.
Cultural Expectations of Gender Roles
Gender roles are deeply embedded in many conservative and illiterate communities, where traditional beliefs dominate. Women are expected to remain dependent on men, whether they be fathers, brothers, or husbands. This dependency is not just financial; it extends to decision-making and even personal autonomy. The psychological impact of these rigid roles can be profound. Women who are constantly told that they must rely on men to navigate life often struggle with self-worth and confidence. They may feel trapped, their dreams and ambitions stifled by societal expectations that view independence as defiance.
This limitation on autonomy not only affects their mental well-being but also limits their ability to pursue education, careers, and personal growth. The weight of this imposed helplessness creates a cycle of dependency that perpetuates mental health struggles, leaving many women feeling powerless to change their circumstances.
Sexual Control and Psychological Trauma
In conservative cultures, the control of women’s sexuality is often linked to maintaining family honor. This control can take many forms, from restrictive dress codes to forced marriages and even harmful practices like virginity testing. The psychological trauma associated with these practices cannot be overstated.
Women subjected to these forms of control often experience low self-esteem, feeling that their worth is tied solely to their ability to conform to these narrow expectations. Sexual repression can lead to anxiety, depression, and a profound disconnect from their own bodies. Forced marriages, in particular, often result in feelings of entrapment and helplessness, leaving women to navigate the deep emotional scars these practices leave behind.
Men and Masculinity Under Patriarchal Pressures
While women face the burden of dependency and control, men are not free from the psychological toll of patriarchal expectations. The pressure to be the sole breadwinner, the strong, authoritative figure who never shows weakness, is overwhelming. For men, failure to meet these standards can result in immense stress, anger, and feelings of inadequacy.
The lack of space for emotional expression in traditional masculine roles leads to repressed emotions. Men are discouraged from showing vulnerability or discussing their mental health struggles. Over time, this emotional repression can manifest as mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or even violent outbursts. The need to constantly appear in control leaves many men struggling internally, with few outlets for emotional support.
Therapeutic Approaches to Gender and Sexuality Issues
Addressing these deep-rooted gender and sexuality issues requires a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach. For women facing sexual control and the trauma associated with it, therapy can offer a pathway to regain autonomy and self-confidence. Counseling that focuses on rebuilding a woman’s sense of self-worth, apart from the societal expectations imposed on her, is crucial in helping her reclaim her life.
Similarly, men need safe spaces to express their emotions without the fear of judgment. Therapy for men can focus on emotional repression, anger management, and identity conflicts. By providing men with tools to navigate their emotions and challenge the restrictive notions of masculinity, mental health professionals can help them achieve greater emotional well-being.
Ultimately, breaking free from these harmful gender norms benefits everyone—allowing both men and women to live fuller, healthier, and more autonomous lives.
Conclusion
Mental health in Pakistan is deeply shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. The challenges people face are not just personal but also rooted in the systems and traditions they grow up in. From the way mental disabilities are misunderstood to the weight of poverty and the suffocating pressure of family honor, these issues make it difficult for individuals to seek help and live fulfilling lives. Rigid gender roles, sexual control, and the media’s reinforcement of stereotypes only add to this burden, making mental well-being harder to achieve for both women and men.
But there is hope. Change starts with awareness. By understanding how these cultural stressors impact mental health, we can begin to challenge harmful norms. We can support women who are trapped by expectations of dependence and men who are burdened by unrealistic standards of masculinity. Therapy, psychoeducation, and community support can break the cycle of silence and repression.
Addressing mental health in Pakistan means looking at the bigger picture—beyond individual symptoms. It means recognizing how poverty, family dynamics, media, and gender roles all contribute to emotional suffering. It also means creating spaces where individuals can heal and grow, free from the weight of societal expectations.
By taking small steps—whether it’s promoting mental health education or encouraging open conversations within families—we can slowly reshape how mental health is understood and supported in our communities. The journey may be long, but the change is possible, and it starts with acknowledging the problem and taking action. Everyone deserves the chance to live a mentally healthy life, regardless of the cultural or social pressures they face.