Pakistan's silent suicide problem

Families cover up what happened to their loved one. And taboo prevents all discussion.
Atika Rehman | Jahanzaib HaqueUpdated 31 Dec, 2020

Between 15 to 35 people end their lives in Pakistan every day.

That's as high as one person every hour.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that in 2012, the rate of suicide in Pakistan was 7.5 per 100,000 people. In other words, around 13,000 people killed themselves that year.

In 2016, the estimate was 2.9 per 100,000 i.e. over 5,500 ended their lives. Experts say the number of people dying is likely somewhere between the two figures, but the truth remains hidden.

This project hopes to end the silence by giving those who have suffered space to share their stories; by providing expert commentary and by providing access to a few resources the country has to offer those seeking help.

Trigger warning: The content that follows contains stories of suicide and suicide attempts, which may trigger some readers. Please proceed with caution and contact your mental health advisor in case of a crisis.

Suicide survey

To better understand the trends and context surrounding suicide in Pakistan, Dawn.com published an online survey in December 2018, asking respondents to anonymously share their views and stories about suicide. The non-scientific survey was published on the website and shared on social media, reflecting views of a segment of Dawn.com's readership, as captured in the respondent demographics outlined below.

The responses — 5,157 in total — provide a unique starting point to exploring the issue.

A few findings include:

  • 38% of respondents said they personally know someone who has taken their own life.

  • 43% said they personally know someone who has attempted suicide.

  • 45% said they have thought about suicide but never acted on it.

  • 9% said they have tried to end their lives.


1. Respondent demographics

A majority of those who took the survey are between 18-40 years old, male (72%), and from the three major cities.


2. Do you personally know someone who has taken their own life?

38% of total respondents said they knew someone who has taken their own life.


3. Do you know someone who has attempted suicide and survived?

Over 40% said they knew someone who had survived a suicide attempt.


4. Have you ever tried to end your life or thought about ending your life?

Respondents were evenly divided between those who have tried or thought of suicide, and those who have not. An additional 9% said they have tried to take their life.


5. Has someone ever spoken to you about having suicidal thoughts?

45% said they have had someone speak to them about feeling suicidal.


6. To what degree might the below causes lead someone to commit suicide?

Over half of respondents considered mental illness and financial troubles as 'high likelihood' reasons for suicide. Divorce was seen as having the lowest likelihood of resulting in suicide.


7. Which of the below describe your opinion of suicide? Select all that apply.

A low 8% of respondents considered suicide an immoral act. However, almost a quarter considered it a sign of weakness. The most common opinion was that suicide is, 'A way to escape pain'.


8. What barriers prevent a suicidal person from seeking help? Check all that apply.

The two barriers to seeking help that ranked highest are, 'Feeling like nothing will help' and, 'Lack of social support', followed closely by, 'Embarrassment or social stigma'.


9. Please select all that apply: Seeing a mental health professional is...

The most common opinion from the statements is that seeking professional help is, 'Not accessible for most people'.

Let us open a dialogue about uncomfortable aspects of ourselves without shame. Let us be brave.

Losing our son

By Atiya Naqvi

Our son Emad died of a suicide on May 18, 2018 in Boston. He was working his dream job as a soccer coach in Boston. He had two FIFA licenses in coaching and was full of dreams and plans about his future. Emad was known for his wit and quirky humour and he was the life of a party amongst his very large circle of friends.

Emad with his mother, Atiya Naqvi, on his 21st birthday.
Emad with his mother, Atiya Naqvi, on his 21st birthday.

Our trip to Boston in a few hours is a harrowing blur of a long never ending flight where at times even the simple act of breathing was difficult. I was sure that my son had been a victim of foul play and so I and my husband were just grieving the injustice of our son losing his life just when everything seemed so promising and rosy.

However, once we got to Boston we were handed the note left behind by our son. It was clearly written in Emad’s own writing stating that this was a voluntary suicide and that he had left a video for his parents and two siblings on his phone to explain his reasons for ending his life.

Emad has left an almost two hour long video where he talks about his reasons for committing suicide.

He spoke about his teenage years when he was fat, when he was an average sports man, and an average student. He said he was always an A-grader but never an A-starrer. He says he felt he never made us proud and he was always someone who scraped through life in general. He said he always covered up his inadequacies with a wiseass attitude. He cited many examples of when he felt less than the others and every time we as parents were supportive of him he felt even worse for not being better than he was.

Emad as a coach with his players.
Emad as a coach with his players.

He went on to say that he started to feel different once he started to work as a soccer coach and changed his undergraduate major to pursue a career in soccer coaching. He said that he began to like himself and that he enjoyed the life he was now building for himself.

At the same time he couldn’t believe a mediocre person like him could achieve all that he had and so there had to be something wrong, which needed to be ended.

He ended the video by saying that he didn’t believe he was good enough, and that his current life of success and achievement was an illusion. He didn’t want this illusion to end and so he wanted to end his self-described “mediocre” life.

He was calm and loving throughout the video; there was no anxiety or fear on his face or in his demeanor. It was almost like a FaceTime conversation, except our beloved Emad was on longer on the other end of the phone. He couldn’t hear us sob or see the shock and devastation on our faces, he was gone — taking all his misguided beliefs of self-condemnations with him without realizing his worth.

In the months following my son’s passing I, his mother and a clinical psychologist, am now left with questions and no concrete answers.

A part of me died with Emad that day. As any mother would tell you, surviving your child’s death is a hell with no escape.

I struggle to think what the hardest part of my life is since my son left our world. The mornings when my eyes open to realize there is another interminable day ahead, my nights with no sleep till sheer exhaustion overtakes me, my responsibility towards my other two children, fear and self-doubt about myself as a mother, psychologist…. I could go on.

There is no end to this agony; at times I don't even want it to end as this is all I am left with.

In those dark hours, I turned to my training and then my faith. My training as a psychologist reconnected me back to my faith. After about three months of feeling utterly adrift in a dark space I returned to restructure my life. I read all I could about afterlife and grief, from a religious, psychological and spiritual perspective. I tried to accept my new reality without a fight, and replaced my WHY with a WHAT.

The new reality had no sleep, so I filled my nights with reading, praying and meditating. I worked on my own mental and physical health as best as I knew how. My friends and family were loving and supportive beyond imagination.

Emad at home with his family.
Emad at home with his family.

My life became about spending time with my husband and children. We valiantly tried to focus on Emad’s life and the person he was, instead of merely focusing on his last unfortunate choice. Each one of us tried to honour Emad’s life by devoting a part of our lives to carry his legacy.

My husband started Coach Emad Football Academy for underprivileged, but extremely talented children of Lyari. My daughter who is studying literature in Italy opted to write her thesis about death as she had experienced it. My youngest son joined his dad in organizing football matches at school levels to raise funds for the academy.

And I am raising awareness about suicide and depression by speaking openly about it in an environment where suicide is still a taboo topic. I am also in the process of starting support groups for grieving mothers so that broken and lost women like me can find ways to reconstruct our lives.

I have reflected long and hard on What happened to Emad and what might have been missed by me.

Where did we as parents go wrong? What are the causes of youth around the world caving into depression and suicide?

Emad never gave any signs of depression or even mood swings. He was always upbeat, helpful, and generally a very “good boy”. Yet all he believed was that he was just “not good enough”, he didn’t want to live the rest of his life as a mediocre person.

I feel it is very important for us as parents to start talking about OUR inadequacies. Let us do away with the dogma of perfectionism, competitiveness and overachievements and have an honest conversation about what roles and expectations we are creating.

We as parents have a language of validating achievements of our children and not the children themselves. The bars of achievements are getting higher and higher every day. The school systems are result-oriented and the average students slip through cracks unseen and unheard. These are the legacies that our youth are dumped with for the rest of their lives to carry. It is a heavy burden.

It is time to change the mindsets and language of us parents and our school systems. We have to look around our immediate environment of family, friends and colleagues and ask what kind of interaction did I have today? What did I see, hear and feel in each interaction? We simply cannot afford to know anything without experiencing it.

Each one of us will have to take responsibility for our interactions and communications in all our relationships that we care for. Let us take responsibility for our intrapersonal, interpersonal, professional and social interactions.

Last photo of the siblings together in December 2017.
Last photo of the siblings together in December 2017.

As a starter, if every parent, teacher, a friend is paying close, interested attention with empathy and compassion to those around us perhaps it might be easier for someone like Emad to open up and say he feels less than the others. Perhaps if the environment around our young people is less expectant, less judgmental they might not feel as if no matter what they do they haven’t made their parents proud.

The world is now a global village; there are unlimited opportunities of happy, healthy options of life. These options can seem out of their reach because our children are raised and educated mostly by adults of limiting beliefs.

Our next generation will benefit from growing in loving, acceptable environments in their homes, schools, workplaces and society in general so that they can make informed choices about their lives. They must have the space to make mistakes so they can learn; and our role can be to encourage, guide and support them to make newer and better choices.

Let us open a dialogue about uncomfortable aspects of ourselves without shame. Let us be brave and begin by holding genuine, trusting communications within our environment. It is time to stop pretending or wanting to be perfect. Let us work with Love and acceptance with the imperfect as our creator does with us.

The writer is a qualified clinical psychologist and clinical supervisor. She runs her own private practice, established 12 years ago.

Underlying many stories is a deep sense of isolation and shame, of suffering in silence, of fear of seeking help.

Dr's note

Murad Moosa Khan, Professor of Psychiatry at Aga Khan University

When Atika first contacted me for this project and explained she wanted me to review and comment on the testimonials in the section below, I didn't think it would be too much of an effort for me. After all, I have been practising psychiatry in Pakistan for more than a quarter of a century and had seen every type of mental disorder, of both genders, of all ages, from all sorts of backgrounds and from all parts of the country. And as suicide is my area of interest, one that I had been studying and researching for over 20 years, it would be interesting as well.

Little did I know what I was about to tread upon would be a window to the internal emotional struggles that so many Pakistanis are going through, without recourse to help. There were many who had no access to mental healthcare, others hesitated to seek help for fear of stigma, yet for others it was unaffordable.

The stories in the posts are extremely powerful and tell us what people in the highly complex and convoluted society of Pakistan are going through.

The testimonials are likely from the relatively well educated, English speaking, middle to upper-middle-class sections of the society. But reading about their struggles also gives us a clue what the not so well off in our society must be going through, with poverty, illiteracy, large family size, lack of space, drug use, unemployment and domestic violence all impacting their emotional health in ways one cannot even comprehend.

There are stories of bullying, of physical and sexual abuse, of rape, of domestic violence, of a toxic family atmosphere, of mental distress and of course, of self-harm and suicide. It is surprising how many of the more than 3,000 responses that were received, had either thoughts of suicide, had carried out self-harm acts themselves or knew of someone in their family or circle of friends, who had died by suicide.

Underlying many of these stories was a deep sense of isolation and shame, of suffering in silence, of fear of seeking help due to stigma or being judged.

The stories tell us how, under the veneer of socio-cultural and religious values, all kinds of ills — from rape to betrayal to bullying and drug use — exist in an ostensibly sanitised society. They tell us how the lack of education (not only literacy), of an organised health system and of law and justice put so many young Pakistanis at risk and affecting their mental health. The stories also tell us about the lack of mental health services in the country, the poor training, and poor ethical and professional standards of many of our mental health professionals and of the shame and stigma attached to seeking help for mental health problems.

The stories also tell us about the incredible resiliency of many Pakistanis, as they fight against insurmountable odds of the society and, at times their families, to not only survive but progress in life as well.

There are many unsung heroes in this country. Some are among those who have written in.

For years, we have witnessed neglect of social development in the country; of housing and transport, of health and education, of law and order, of justice. This has resulted in a population that is highly mentally distressed, with extremely high levels of stress. Some of this stress is played out on our roads, in our homes, in extreme kinds of behaviours including suicide and terrorism.

There is an urgent need to address the many ills in this society. We need to address the upstream factors such as social factors as well as downstream factors such as more and better mental health facilities, including suicide prevention activities. This is a human rights issue.

The people of this country deserve it.

Dr Murad Moosa Khan MRCPsych, PhD is a Professor of Psychiatry at Aga Khan University and the President of International Association for Suicide Prevention. He tweets @MuradMKhan

Suicide does not happen in a vacuum. There is a 'suicidal pathway' that people get on, which may start weeks or months before the event.

Testimonials

Shared below are experiences of dealing with mental illness narrated by respondents to our anonymous survey. The short stories have been thematically grouped, and contain observations by Dr Murad Moosa Khan, Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University.

Trigger warning: The following accounts, which include details of suicides and suicide attempts, may trigger some readers. Please proceed with caution and contact your mental health advisor in case of a crisis. Additionally, the comments made by the doctor should not be viewed as holistic advice or treatment. Please consult a mental health professional for a detailed evaluation.

RELATIONSHIPS

SEXUAL ABUSE

SELF-HARM

EATING DISORDER

TOXIC FAMILY

SEXUAL IDENTITY

FINANCIAL PRESSURE

SOCIETAL PRESSURE

LACK OF SUPPORT

ACADEMIC PRESSURE

BULLYING

It takes a special person and a special type of friendship to not give up on somebody who is feeling down.

Help

A contact list of mental health practitioners across Pakistan has been compiled and presented city-wise below. While this is not an exhaustive list, it may serve as a useful starting point for those seeking help.

Please email if you would like to recommend a name to be added to the list.

Note: Dawn.com does not endorse any health practitioner, and it is recommended that adequate research/background checks be conducted when approaching anyone listed here or otherwise. The contact list has been compiled using publicly available data from Counselling.pk, Taskeen.org, Marham.pk.

On mobile, please swipe left/right on table to see complete details

CREDITS

Project directors: Atika Rehman, Jahanzaib Haque

Associate producer: Shahbano Ali Khan

Illustrations: Mahenoor Raphick (profile)

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Comments (129) Closed
Sara J
Jul 16, 2019 09:04am
Thank you for this. It makes it easier to know I'm not alone.
Recommend 0
QURESHI
Jul 16, 2019 09:35am
Extremely disappointing to see that the actual meaning of life and its values are not taught to kids and they are getting desperate for not achieving enough. Being Human is a great thing in life and being Muslim is more than that. However the families trying to imitate the life style of the western civilizations are caught in their own web of going no where at all. They have left their culture and Religion and now wondering to achieve more and more in life. A desire that cannot be fulfilled. God bless those who committed and those who have not with his mercy and guidance as we are no animals, we are humans and our life means a lot to our Creator.
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Wajih
Jul 16, 2019 09:44am
This is a very important topic. Thank you for providing us with the Doctors reviews.
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Imran Khan
Jul 16, 2019 10:04am
Beautifully written and very informative,
Recommend 0
Khizra Sohail
Jul 16, 2019 10:09am
Brilliant feature and so comprehensive. Thanks for putting all of this together Dawn!
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Rukhsana Zafar
Jul 16, 2019 10:10am
This is such an eye opener. The story by Atiya Naqvi sheds light on the life that parent's are living without their loving son. The son thought his life of achievement and success was an illusion and he didn't want it to end. Since I am an educationist and a teacher trainer, I plan to share excerpts from the article to make teachers realise the importance of a collaborative atmosphere instead of a competitive one. The para below is part of my presentation. Thanks Our next generation will benefit from growing in loving, acceptable environments in their homes, schools, workplaces and society in general so that they can make informed choices about their lives. They must have the space to make mistakes so they can learn; and our role can be to encourage, guide and support them to make newer and better choices.
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saad khan
Jul 16, 2019 10:35am
I think, 1. the article started from the suicidal rate inside Pakistan, while giving details about the suicide which happened in the US, and a person who's financial,social and literacy background was completely different from an average person inside Pakistan. 2. Being a parent, I have realised with this article, that if someone himself is a logical ideologue, and he has superior intellect (the mother being a clinical psychologist), we should not be sharing that much of intellectual thoughts with our children (young kids), as it seems in this case, the mother have transferred her intellect to this bright kid. Instead, we should let our kids DREAM!!, make their own ideologies by EXPERIENCING. 3. As the world is moving, as we are living with our own philosophies, which, by the passage of times are being annulled, and in the end we have no option to say that, whatever path we created (not opted), was all non-workable, except what was portrayed to us by PROPHET MUHAMMAD, as a SUNNAH!!
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huz
Jul 16, 2019 10:39am
There must be some laws where abusers and bullies got the same treatment as the victims and bashed in front of whole public so that none would think or dare to do such things.
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Sohaib
Jul 16, 2019 10:43am
I had not the courage to read the whole thing but just glancing over Emad's story rang so many bells. All I can say is that Pakistani parenting needs a MAJOR overhaul. I would say that the things we demand from our kids are so unfair and inhumane that I cannot find the words to describe this. Kids are not tools to showoff to others or to find 'burhapay ka sahara;' this mentality needs to be kicked out. I strongly suspect that suicide will increase among sensitive and educated urban youth. We as a society believe in covering things up. We'll blame it on the West or even India, all the time not realizing that in a world where a sensitive person is deprived of air to breath, where echoes of coarse voices is all that surrounds him, he'll sooner or later find ways to withdraw.
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Imtiaz Ali Khan
Jul 16, 2019 10:45am
We must control suicide problem before it gets out of hand like Japan or Korea! Each human life is precious all over the world.
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Naeem
Jul 16, 2019 10:49am
Thank you so much, especially for the list of health professionals. much needed because people often don't go to Psychiatrists or counsellors reasons being people would often turn to Dam-Darood instead. Aslo no one knows good psychiatrists or counsellors in Pakistan.
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Andy
Jul 16, 2019 11:00am
Dear Dawn, ....this not the article any one would like to see on the very 1st thing in the morning & at top of the News paper...............put it in the back somewhere..... the problem is real every one acknowledges it but its global epidemic now as the family & community system has been destroyed by the Media......
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Saad Rao
Jul 16, 2019 11:01am
It is not surprising to see that a quarter of those surveyed viewed suicide as a sign of weakness - I used to too. The Pakistani government is seriously lacking when it comes to mental health awareness. Quite unfortunate.
Recommend 0
Muhammad Younas
Jul 16, 2019 11:03am
Mental disorder is one of the major issue confronted to the masses. specially, in rural areas the situation is worse than urban, because of the unavailability of Psychologist and Theosophist. More importantly, these issues are dealt with unprofessional ways like exorcism which leads to more social issues. I request on the behalf of this forum to raise the issue to the concern authority and built a special unit in general hospital to treat this common and aggravated issue.
Recommend 0
raju
Jul 16, 2019 11:26am
excellent article bring to light many topics usually not discussed
Recommend 0
raju
Jul 16, 2019 11:28am
@QURESHI, so you think bring ultra religious will help .. and you blame western education and life style for suicides ??.. you need to rethink on this
Recommend 0
Mohammad
Jul 16, 2019 11:29am
I hope parents learn from this and instill in their children a strong belief that their self-worth is not the material achievements but in being a good human. In loving good for others, in preferring others over yourself, in charity, in taking on responsibilities of helping others like family, parents, orphans, poor etc. That is the only way a person can find fulfillment. Otherwise, it is a dark and long tunnel with no end.
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Asif
Jul 16, 2019 11:30am
First comment, Are there no patients of that type outside Karachi,asking so, because only Karachi Psychiatrists phones are listed. Secondly, There is s saying, When some problem comes, we must think more of SOLUTION, and not of problem. In the given article, much is talked or pointed out ( though right) what is or what could be the reasons of the problems. As per my opinion, ( as a lay man and as recognising myself a patient of mental health) A practical approach is needed to be adopted. In some way or the other, first of all, PARENTS are to made responsible and they are to be educated in all the possible ways to take real and actual responsibility of providing guidance in every matter and where they are unable ,they should by themselves arrange professional help. Secondly, right from the early age schooling must be made practical .Unfortunately, real concept of education is never understood. Thirdly the role of the government is important in tis regard.
Recommend 0
Saqqal
Jul 16, 2019 11:30am
such a good article addressing very important aspect of life. This must b shared with all people especially parents of present age. we are in race of competition now a days ignoring other beautiful aspects of life which must be avoided.
Recommend 0
TQ
Jul 16, 2019 11:36am
Thank you Dawn!!!
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xxxx
Jul 16, 2019 11:48am
I'm 44 year old living in Dubai for the last 12 years with my family of wife and 3 children. I considered committing suicide during my teens and early 20s umpteenth times when people would bully me as they considered me too effeminate. My class fellows in school and children in our Karachi's neighborhood would call me names. In my mid-twenties, I consulted a urologist who checked me and told me that I had no issues whatsoever as I used to think that I might be lacking something. My unhappy childhood and teen days had crushed my self-confidence that I'm getting back now in my 30s and 40s. I married in 2005. Now, I'm living a happy and very healthy marital life. I became father in the 2nd year of my marriage. I thank Allah with every breath of mine and would tell everyone that life is too precious and do consult a psychiatric consultant to discuss your issues. Age teaches you so many things and you become stronger emotionally.
Recommend 0
sam
Jul 16, 2019 11:49am
Thank you for bringing this to light.
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Wajahat Munir
Jul 16, 2019 11:54am
Appreciate the hard work, very informative. However, it looks like the treatment is only for rich people after seeing the consultancy fees of Psychiatrist/Psychologist.
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CityDweller
Jul 16, 2019 11:59am
Very well done to the writer and to all contributors. In a chaotic and somewhat mean society, publishing such important and relevant material is a credit to Dawn. Brilliant work.
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jack
Jul 16, 2019 12:02pm
Thank you for writing about a very sensitive subject and not always a easy one. this was .extremely honest and very real because it was born out of the experiences of people who have gone through this pain. There are excellent comments written from everyone here. I'm not sure how much more I can add but one thing is for sure, Isolation is big factor in feeling suicidal. Saad khan mentioned about letting children grow and dream. This is very much true, if we let our children grow and allow them the space to learn and feel, their will be less chances of them being suppressed. The current social and cultural systems, we have in place do not support the vulnerable in our society, they push them away into a outcasted society where they feel there is no hope, Hope is free, love is free, and giving to others is free, this is what our society needs to give more of.
Recommend 0
Kris
Jul 16, 2019 12:02pm
Thank you for such a sensitive treatment of an important topic. This is a difficult conversation to have. But the more we can do to de-stigmatize mental illness, the more lives that can be saved.
Recommend 0
Adnan Saqib
Jul 16, 2019 12:09pm
Its, horrible but side by side an informative. I am waiting for a investigative report of TOYS, Market Trends, kind of toys on sale, psychological impact on kids, role of parents, role of society, Psychiatrist advise, Atika and J, good job and keep it up.
Recommend 0
Desisyphus
Jul 16, 2019 12:09pm
@QURESHI, what a nonsense reply.
Recommend 0
Muhammad Saqib
Jul 16, 2019 12:11pm
Our society is prone to such miserable acts and there ought to be the awareness campaigns around to inculcate the sense of self-worth and promotion of a supportive environment.
Recommend 0
hussain
Jul 16, 2019 12:31pm
Thanks Dawn. Thanks a lot author. One of my close relatives was suffering from severe depression and developed a condition called phagophobia. Those days, I came to know that mental illness is such a big problem in Pakistan which, I believe, is the prime reason for most of suicides.
Recommend 0
Ismaeel Qasim
Jul 16, 2019 12:34pm
Nice writeup. I liked the effort that was put into it in gathering all the relevant and necessary data. Suicide and mental health issues are the least highlighted in our society and seen as a taboo whereas such issues are the most normal thing that an individual could face. Seek help and do it as proudly as you can since not everyone has the courage to do it! The length of the article is an issue for me though. Better would have been to make it into 3-4 separate write-ups and that way it could have stayed more attractive, it would have had greater interest for the masses and obviously an increased readership for the web itself.
Recommend 0
Asif
Jul 16, 2019 12:39pm
Unfortunately, Life of any individual can never be free from mental tensions or problems ranging from slight to serious nature but reality is a bitter pill to swallow, here in our society life of anyone is more in trouble either by himself or definitely by society. It is a continuous fight or battle right from the day one till the day of death. Life in itself is defined as STRUGGLE and not an achievement. Well, Practical steps which can just be talked, pointed or discussed are never brought into tangible form only because of us. We mostly notice, what is wrong but we almost all feel helpless to make it CORRECT. Here is the rub. We all become inactive and wrong doer if we remain up to this stage of just pointing out. Society Norms can not be changed overnight until the mindsets are changed which is the hardest nut to crack.
Recommend 0
Nabeel Imtiaz
Jul 16, 2019 12:47pm
I am running a mental and rehab facility and I couldn't agree more with the content. The longer we consider seeking professional assistance for mental dispositions a taboo, the harder it would be for our society to overcome these issues.
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Abdul Wahid Qureshi
Jul 16, 2019 01:02pm
At least the writing has debunked the fact, not everything is going right in our society. We need to talk over this issue very openly. Art and literature should lead to sensitizing the issue. As a youth, I have heard a number of my friends talking about meaninglessness in their lives.
Recommend 0
Moiz Sheikh
Jul 16, 2019 01:07pm
Best project I have seen in this brutal times where journalist are more selfish about their growth but not journalism. Indeed it will help a lot of people.
Recommend 0
Babu
Jul 16, 2019 01:13pm
Nice Articles, bringing things into the open from under the carpet.
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sach baat
Jul 16, 2019 01:26pm
@QURESHI, Suicide is not limited to Muslim societies alone. If you think Western civilizations are responsible then what about nations which have very little western influence yet suicides are high. By that logic Iran or Bangladesh or Pakistan or Indonesia where religious teachings are given and where local cultures are strong must never experince suicide among its population. Treat depression and suicide as a disease just like any other. It always existed. And do not colour it by giving it a religious spin. Religion has nothing to do with suicide.
Recommend 0
sheeraz junejo
Jul 16, 2019 01:26pm
Couldn't gather the courage to read whole.
Recommend 0
Tahir
Jul 16, 2019 01:28pm
It's great to see someone has tried to take the big step along with a team. Wish you success in your work
Recommend 0
Hussain-NY
Jul 16, 2019 01:29pm
Sometime asking kids to explain why they are doing something can drive them nuts exhibiting or make them insecure. My friend's son left the family because parents made their life miserable and pushed the kid to extreme.
Recommend 0
Hussain-NY
Jul 16, 2019 01:31pm
@saad khan, Logical explanation.
Recommend 0
Reshma
Jul 16, 2019 01:45pm
People in comment section lecturing others over religion and how islamic life can save suicide, they don't understand a thing... Better they keep their opinion to themselves
Recommend 0
Sohail
Jul 16, 2019 02:12pm
Won wonder why suicide or suicidal thoughts rate is high in Pakistan. As mentioned, one of the main reasons is financial issues. There are different kind of mafias in Pakistan and the Government seems to be helpless to resolve people issues. There is no funding and hence any help for the affectees. very sad.
Recommend 0
israr
Jul 16, 2019 02:18pm
I'm not alone.
Recommend 0
bkt
Jul 16, 2019 02:21pm
My parents had also made me feel worthless - nothing was good enough for them. A friend pointed this out which made it easier. I also contemplated suicide for a while but faith in the hereafter stopped me from it, despite thinking I would end in hell anyway. That last realization is important: suicidal people think they are already in hell so going there is no deterrent. In later years I discovered close aunts who were jealous to be the reason and that my parents had always been loving and appreciative. Once the enemy was identified, my personal life kept getting better. Beware the jealousy and envy of those closest to you. Emad too may have been driven into a corner by the machinations of just such people.
Recommend 0
Pakistani
Jul 16, 2019 02:27pm
Thank you so much for doing this report. My heart goes out to all those in pain
Recommend 0
Arsalan Khan
Jul 16, 2019 02:29pm
Good article but it should not be the headline. Although reality, but it portrays very bad and negative image of Pakistan. If we ourselves don't highlight, appreciate the good and respect the good things happening, then who else in the world will respect Pakistan and the people of Pakistan!!!
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T
Jul 16, 2019 02:47pm
As someone who has been thorough the thick of it, religion helps. Belief that no burden is unbearable helps. Crying during prayer helps. Taking it a day at a time helps. If you realize that the only thing you can control is what you do, the result does not matter, that's for a higher power to decide and what ever it decides, it is for the good.
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M. Emad
Jul 16, 2019 03:04pm
2016 suicide rate in Pakistan was approximately 3.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants,
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RAJESH RAJAGOPALAPILLAI
Jul 16, 2019 03:30pm
Thank you for bringing out this issue to the notice of the people. I am the president of Befrienders India, national body of suicide prevention helplines. Suicide is not a mental issue, and not all those who died by suicide are mental patients. Studies have proven that by empathetic, active listening suicide risk can be reduced. It is called befriending. Any common man can be trained to do befriending. Now there are about 50,000 Befrienders around 50 countries,under the guidelines of Befrienders worldwide(BW). The service is totally free.India has 16 suicide prevention helplines . Srilankan has 12 and Bengaldesh has1. These organisations with the help of BW work to prevent suicide in this region. If credible organisation/ people with interest in suicide prevention activities are ready to start a helpline, Befrienders worldwide with the help of the organisation mentioned above would be able to provide necessary assistance to start helplines in your country.
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Kashif
Jul 16, 2019 03:46pm
Excellent article.
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Mzr
Jul 16, 2019 03:48pm
Main cause of suicide is depression. Our culture is really bad too. Many people say bad things about you. If they come to know some thing bad, happend in your life. They make fun of you. It also leads people to suicide. Lack of job oppertunities. With every budget, items necessary for daily life are getting much expensive. Our socity is also responsible for increasing the rate of suicide.
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Asif Haider
Jul 16, 2019 04:13pm
Please read
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HASSAN MURTAZA
Jul 16, 2019 04:15pm
This is real statement of intent. what a inimitable presentation that gives me internally peace.
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Farhan Khan
Jul 16, 2019 04:42pm
Appreciated. Informative and helpful. Thank you DAWN
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kkl
Jul 16, 2019 04:49pm
Such an Article, thanks to Dawn to bringing out the Dark realities of our lives, thought I live on the other part of the border but I truly believe Dawn brings out issues where Indian mainstream media fails. Very well thought, planned and put up in such a methodical way, All these really needs to be discussed in society and people suffering from depressions and other mental disorders should be helped in best possible way. Keep up with your intellectual, between the lines and forward journalism and bring out such more issues which are eating our society and young ones silently.
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Pakwatani
Jul 16, 2019 04:56pm
@QURESHI, you have a very narrow view of the world. You assume that if one is religious or cultural they will not suffer mental illness. I can assure you this is not the case.
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Mahpara
Jul 16, 2019 04:57pm
Great article and views, Thank you
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Pakwatani
Jul 16, 2019 04:59pm
@Andy, and you are an example of why our society is decaying. By putting every issue on the back burner and pretending that life is rosy, you give a false narrative to reality.
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Pakwatani
Jul 16, 2019 05:01pm
@xxxx, or weaker. It depends. You were able to make the paradigm shift while others suffer from PTSD which if left untreated only becomes worse with each passing year.
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Usman Ali
Jul 16, 2019 05:10pm
Very good step towards making people feel that they are not left over...
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Syed Irfan Ali
Jul 16, 2019 05:17pm
@Asif, please check again. There are 10 Pakistani cities including Karachi whose list of doctors and consultants has been given. Please roll your mouse horizontally and tick the name of the city to see the list of people who can help.
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Jahanzaib
Jul 16, 2019 05:37pm
Situations become worse when a person in distress don't find someone to disclose his feelings with, at least who could understand him, console him properly.
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Farwa
Jul 16, 2019 05:56pm
Journalism at its best. We need such talent to promote awareness of the problems faced by the society of Pakistan. Kudos to the team for putting out a brilliant project!
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Anonymous
Jul 16, 2019 06:01pm
Hey ! I have read the whole article. It was very lengthy but informative and expressive as well. I'm very glad to see people open up their inner thoughts and the comments of the Dr. Murad. I want to tell you something. I'm 22 and I have been indulged in the filth of masturbation addiction from last 6-8 years.I just can't get over with it. This filth has been with me from almost a decade and there's times when i have a solid intention of not doing this anymore but still i'm occupied by sexual thoughts. I see my father he's a saint and my mother's the most lovely women but when i see myself, all i think of getting rid of this filth. I'm really worried about how would I end this? How my married life is going to be? I'm very worried about it. I'm interacting with people as always thinking that i'm not good as them.I can't keep up with myself sometimes and even thought of putting a bullet from the right of my brain so it will just move across my brain and all my guilt will vanish. help !
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Shehzad Memon
Jul 16, 2019 06:18pm
Lets approach it differently. Its been so long we talk about awareness and taboo about depression. Actual solution is OUTREACH. We are just spinning all the time. Help is there we need to bring people in.
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Saeeds
Jul 16, 2019 06:23pm
Parents expectations from there kids to be super successful. And kids presumption for failing families expectations lead to depression results in sucide . To create decent society Parents should accept there kids as a average person. Make everyone life easy .
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Syed Arij
Jul 16, 2019 06:54pm
Hi people! hope you all are doing good. Well i just want to say one word, People who commits sucide are not loosers, They just want to end their pain" Believe me i have gone through that pain because i am a sucide survivor luckily i survived with some major and very bad injuries" I request you all to please help those who are in need, Mental health is a real and serious disease which is unfortunately a taboo in our society specially in Pakistan. Dont judge anyone just let help them to get out of mental illness and anxiety. Regards: Syed Arij!
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Asim Malik
Jul 16, 2019 07:07pm
i'm very sorry for your loss....... but what i cant figure out is whether you are referring to the high suicide rate abroad or in Pakistan given the fact that your son died in the US my point is simple, neither i nor anyone that i asked (and i asked around 10 to 12 people in my office while reading the article) know of anyone in our circle who has committed suicide or even attempted it. the stats appear to be pulled out of thin air there appears to be no references as to where the stats originated so the readers may verify them is this another attempt to highlight a non-issue in Pakistan? i may sound callous and heartless but someone has to address the elephant in the room i once again apologize for any hurt feelings but i stand by my question
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GA Man
Jul 16, 2019 07:21pm
Make a connection with your Creator and you will find the inner peace. We as a creation cannot find the peace without having a connection with our Creator. Let Islam come inside you and "As-Salam" peace will come your way(You will be amazed). True peace will ONLY come from Allah, all other sources of peace are illusions. No "thing" or no "one" in this universe can give you peace, but Allah. Please also stay away from Haram relationships, this will also take away your peace. Been there, done that. May Allah guide us all to the straight path. Moderator, please let this comment go through.
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FA
Jul 16, 2019 07:31pm
I can feel your loss. Your loss will help others learn about depression and many lives may be saved. I want to add that societies will never be perfect, u will find ‘mean’ people and comments all around u. In addition to changing attitudes, please also strongly consider taking medication for severe depression. It is a disease that may require medication like any other disease. Thanks.
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Ruqayya Shaikh
Jul 16, 2019 07:40pm
I'm teaching in a girls college for the last twenty years. I've seen a significant rise in the number of psychiatric issues in my students. The course and pressure at F.Sc level is so high that many students develop anxiety problem. When they are unable to get good results in entry test, their family dream of becoming a Dr shatters and they suffer from depression. Marks game, corruption at entry test, jobs and limited choices of the future are damaging our youth. Girls have to prove themselves and fulfill their parents dreams. If they fail to do so they think their lives are worthless. Very painful to experience all this in the teenagers who forget to smile.
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Osman Karim Khara
Jul 16, 2019 07:44pm
I believe there are more suicides than we know about.
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Zeeshan Ahmed
Jul 16, 2019 07:45pm
Thank you for your brave article, it was heartbreaking to read through it. Please turn to Allah (swt) for answers.
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Shridhar Subrahmanyam
Jul 16, 2019 07:50pm
My experience is that most individuals who commit or attempt to commit suicide are mentally disturbed and under stress because of relationship issues or a failed relationship. Seems to be more common among women than men.
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daniel david
Jul 16, 2019 08:07pm
@Sara J, Life is wonderfull.. just be strong and pray.. all will be good and fantastic.... godbless..
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Indische
Jul 16, 2019 08:14pm
Great initiative Dawn!!! Kudos from India
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Anon
Jul 16, 2019 08:19pm
Three times more women than men try to commit suicide but three times more men than women become successful in committing suicide.
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ahmed
Jul 16, 2019 08:22pm
@Rukhsana Zafar, Your thoughts are commendable on this sad subject. Please continue your efforts and God is with you, always.
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Inam
Jul 16, 2019 08:23pm
Excellent article. I'm sure it's going to receive a lot of backlash. But kudos for taking it bravely, and exposing a gaping hole in our society's responsibilities to its vulnerable children. I've self empowered myself without any support from Pakistani friends and family. And it's far from a perfect solution. But it's incredibly encouraging to know someone is exposing the living death of a suicidal person in a society where we are obsessed with the irrelevant shell of existence, and ignore the essence of life.
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ahmed
Jul 16, 2019 08:33pm
@Andy, While sad, such stories need to be told boldly. Hiding them in back pages is no solution. In fact professionally crafted articles may help many all over the world. Also, find ways for those majority that cannot afford professional help.
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ahmed
Jul 16, 2019 08:35pm
My thoughts and prayers for the parents and the son they lost. He is at peace.
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Ali
Jul 16, 2019 09:05pm
Thank you for this. As a parent of small children, I appreciate this knowledge. Dawn, you are truly great at educating people. More articles like this please. Also, I feel so sad for Emad and his family. What a wonderful Boy he seemed to be and a successful person.
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Shehzad Memon
Jul 16, 2019 09:34pm
We all agree, its ONLY getting worse. People are not getting to Specialists, though they are conveniently available. We need to publish it outside of a web page- the people(Outreach) Take affected people to Clinics. Save Lives!
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Inam
Jul 16, 2019 09:46pm
@xxxx, amen brother
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Javed Iqbal
Jul 16, 2019 10:00pm
Thank you Dawn for dwelling into this difficult subject. Mental illness is a reality similar to cancer. It is a disease. When someone suffers from a mental illness they require our attention, compassion, and support and not condemnation. I am a Pakistani who believes we are a very critical bunch. We want to appear religious but do not know often what religion truly expects from us. When someone is sick - regardless of nature of sickness, he/she needs our support. Parents should made available themselves to the children and know what is going on in their lives and offer constructive guidance. Children should believe that parents are there for them when they need them. I know couple families where a child took their life because they felt inadequate, not successful enough, etc. Children should be made feel adequate in every way - about their physical appearance, achievements, successes, etc. May we be better parents and adults.
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SMK
Jul 16, 2019 10:04pm
This is an important topic and kudos to Dawn for not only bringing attention to the topic but also doing it in a comprehensive and relateable manner. I appreciate the underlying tone of 'how to help' present throughout the article and followed by actionable gesture of providing names, contacts and most importantly fees of doctors and organizations that can provide help. Excellent work and level of detail.
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Faran
Jul 16, 2019 10:06pm
I feel a gloom is everywhere in the country. Our politicians, thinker failed to take our generation at par with the world. Religiosity, unemployment, greed, terrorism have shaken our country. Now the mountains of debt have taken away many support systems from us.
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Asma
Jul 16, 2019 10:14pm
Thank you for sharing. We all need to learn more and what better way than from actual stories and commentary by an esteemed psychiatrist as Dr . MMKhan. Thank you also to Mrs. Naqvi. How very bery brave of you to share your story. May Allah taala bless your family, ameen
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Ilmana Fasih
Jul 16, 2019 10:20pm
Suicide especially in youth due to increase pressure and stress of modern life is a very serious issue. This is a very powerful account of Suicide in Pakistan, especially when there are too many stressors and too little support and understanding for mental health challenges. Its lack of hope and support systems that people resort to faith healers and peers.
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Khalid_Toronto
Jul 16, 2019 10:41pm
Instead of saying "Died by Suicide", some countries now say "Died of Suicide" as cause of death. They treat suicide as a condition rather than a result.
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St Mercury
Jul 16, 2019 10:44pm
Pakistani society is very close minded and opinionated. Young people are forced to bind by the traditions laid out over the centuries. There are love affairs in the movies but in real life it is like taking your life in your own hands. Parents have expectations and if expectations are not met then you are no good.
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Syed Rizvi
Jul 16, 2019 10:51pm
My son! Know that you were created for the Hereafter, not for this world, for extinction (in this world), not for permanence, and for death, not for life.. You are being chased by death from which no fleeing one is saved, none whom it seeks escapes from it, and it will inevitably catch up with him. So be on your guard against it, lest it should overtake you while you are in a state of sin from which you were telling yourself that you would repent, and it (death) prevents you from that. In such a case you will have destroyed yourself.My son! Remember death frequently, and the place that you will suddenly fall into and reach after death, so that when it comes, you are on your guard against it and have prepared yourself for it. Do not let it (death) come suddenly such that it overcomes you. Beware of being deluded by what you see of the people of the world inclining towards it (the world), and their avidity for it, for God has informed you of it and the world itself has announced to you
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Ch Arslan Khan
Jul 16, 2019 11:26pm
Very effective and credible to human psychlogical problems of introvert society of thought! Optimist and and tackling to positivism and behavior and mind thoughts and public speaking analysis of Pkistan's society!
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Munawar Abbas Kanwal
Jul 16, 2019 11:54pm
I've seen, talked to, watched and observed suicidal people, most of them have one thing in common, they all want attention. while this judgment may seem shallow but this sole judgment came form my experience. in a country where even basic necessities of life are actually rare, one finds himself trapped in an abyss of balancing social as well as personal life. Also, lack of proper moral support and want of people who should always be there to listen to is a major cause of people going through suicidal feelings preceded by depression and schizophrenia.
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Jamil Soomro, New York City
Jul 17, 2019 12:03am
Ask any Cancer Patient what is the most precious thing in this world and he and she will answer you....Life.
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Responder
Jul 17, 2019 12:57am
@Anonymous, young man you have a mental problem, you need immediate help from a psychiatrist,you also seem to be a loner, try taking part in sports read books on self confidence,be amongst people at all times, do exercises and go for long walks and keep smiling and think positive. Your present activity will make you weak and you will not have a happy married life.
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Dr Mahmood Ahmad
Jul 17, 2019 01:07am
Among doctors the highest rates of suicide are among Anaesthetists. Four of my Anaesthetist colleagues committed suicide. Suicide is a manifestation of severe depression which is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Now we are able to naturally cure depression through Stem Cells and Deep Brain Stimulation techniques. Great job with the article. Well worth if one life is saved, it is as if you have saved humanity.
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Texan
Jul 17, 2019 02:08am
Catching up with US 44,000 per year rate
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Shehzad Memon
Jul 17, 2019 02:23am
@Jamil Soomro, New York City, Saeen, This is too generic.
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Pakwatani
Jul 17, 2019 04:35am
@Shridhar Subrahmanyam, your experiences need broadening.
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Pakwatani
Jul 17, 2019 04:38am
@Munawar Abbas Kanwal, not true and you need to read up more. While this may be true for some teenage suicides it clearly doesn't hold true for adults suffering from PTSD
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Rabiya Aamir
Jul 17, 2019 05:12am
I guess everyone feels this with any number of problems of varying degrees at some point in life. But if one resolves that that is simply not an option. Period. and we have to keep up the struggle .... and that is only possible with getting closer to your best friend , Who is the best of the best friends. We need to talk to the deity we believe in. And the actual deity is Allah. He is the best of friends. We need to talk to Him. What makes us think that we have an option to end a life which is a gift, a responsibility and simply not ours to end no matter what it takes . If I think that I would overcome every hurdle of my life with the help of my best friend, Allah. It would be doable. The alarming thing in this article among others was the fact that: “A low 8% of respondents considered suicide an immoral act. “ We are human beings not minions and life is not a cartoon movie. I hope and pray that we realize this
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Medu
Jul 17, 2019 06:44am
Glad to see such eye opener content yet feel sorry for all the loses. I have tried to end my life for as many times that i can't even count. I was a good student but suddenly i had to move out with my family to a place where my whole curriculum got change and from a good student i became a below average student. Three years of my life were living hell and sad part is that my teachers were my real nightmare. I was living at a hill station and every day i used to sit outside of my house where wild animals roam around, i just hoped every day to be torn by a wild animal to end my misery. I tried pils many times but i survived there was no one to listen, my family wanted me to complete my studies and to my teachers i was just a failed product. I am now very much successful in my life but now i want to end this culture of public shaming of any low performing student, that time still haunts me being bullied by my teachers and colleagues.
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khosa
Jul 17, 2019 06:52am
No words to describe, how beautifully you have tried to help others. My salute to all of you - who completed this porject/article in DAWN...
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Ahmed
Jul 17, 2019 07:09am
I have been very toxic with my wife becasue we do not have any understanding. After reading this article I realise that my kids are getting affected by my relashionship and treatment with my wife and her with me. I think I need to be more acceptable to what I can never change in my wife. I will try to change. But old habits die hard. I am uncertain but worried about my kids.
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Tanveer
Jul 17, 2019 08:25am
A courageous step Atiqa and family. It's hard even to think what you and your family have been going through. A psychologist by profession and a loving and caring mother, couldn't understand exactly what was Emad thinking. Human mind is so complicated! I have a question, may be some one can give me a good reason, in a situation like Emad, why he took it so hard on to him, despite all the love and support of his family, he didn't think of how his action is going to effect his family? Strange.. what went wrong. How can a parent or a loved one save some one from taking such drastic action?
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Mohsin Sam
Jul 17, 2019 09:12am
A foremost sad to hear about Ms. Atiya's son death. A very intriguing and extensive research peace here and it's an eye opener research. Commendable to the author for shedding some light and the taboo subject. I totally agreed, unfortunately, we live in fast past life that wants us to compete and we some time forget to focus on our family-and we are always busy correcting other family issues. Indeed our high authorities needs to pay attention to this trend and provide some resources, education and support help line to help individual in needs.
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ABC
Jul 17, 2019 10:53am
We all know that most of the suicides are committed by men due to pressure of the society and yet, all through all the pictures in this article, women were shown as the victim.
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Saleem
Jul 17, 2019 11:38am
@Anonymous, why are you calling it filth? It's not. Only if you do it with a frequency and persistence that can be considered addiction, then you should seek help from a trained ethical professional. Otherwise, just chill. It's just normal and natural.
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Hamza
Jul 17, 2019 11:59am
A great eye opener article. I think many suicide cases were due to sexual harassment so there should be some strict law to overcome this problem. Secondly, Parents should treat their children with love and care and they should be friendly to them so they can discuss any problem or abuse from which they are going through.
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Komal
Jul 17, 2019 12:46pm
I must say that its eye opening and also very relatable as we all experience some sort of mental health issues but we think that no one understands. However, in reality, there are many people out there who go through the same and who understand how it feels. Thank you for putting this up.
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talat
Jul 17, 2019 12:52pm
Great job ………. it will be helpful to many ……… bless you Dawn.com
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Jaf
Jul 17, 2019 01:18pm
Nobody can understand what depression is, unless they've experienced it. I have been in depression for around 8 to 10 years of my life. Extremely Abusive husband, toxic ppl around, I tried to attempt it once but wasn't succeed. Then I got seperated from my husband and the nightmare started. Every other guy trying to engulf, trying on.. It was and sometimes still feels like hell. Being a single parent in any society is one of the worst experience one could ever get. Nobody is there for you except Allah. I have been self counselling for years now, to some extent it helped me but still I need someone to listen to me, I want to be heard. Thanks
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Krishankant
Jul 17, 2019 01:20pm
One must watch bollywood movie by Shahruk Khan and Alia - Love you Zindagi. When we get physically hurt, we go to doctor for treatment. However, why not to a professional to seek help when something wrong with our mind? This is an excellent article describing social stigma around mental health. I took doctor's help for my daughter and now she is doing extremely good. So, you have to listen carefully to your dear ones and may be just observe their behavior - It will indicate if something is wrong with them. A social support will save many lives and will ensure healthy mental life for many. People should have courage to get away from abusing people. Nothing can be worse than in custody of abusive people. So why not to try something else? Why no to approach police? (At least in India, we can think of going to police against such incidents).
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ADEEL ZAMAN
Jul 17, 2019 02:09pm
DAWN is appreciable to publish such important story to raise the anonymous issue of Pakistani society. it will help its readers to stay strong and the deal the with problem of suicidal thoughts.
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waqas
Jul 17, 2019 02:34pm
A worth reading article, highlighting a global issue which is now becoming an epidemic problem in Pakistan. I am shocked by the statistics mentioned in the article. There should be a proper awareness, and according to statistics its effect the teenager and peoples till 30s. So the govt should include such kind of lessons in our academic syllabus in school, college, and university, which highlight the importance of life and the consequences of such a cruel act. Furthermore, there are also many flaws in our society, like the grading system in schools, social classes, bullying, sexually abusing others and trying to pull others down by our superiority complex race in daily life etc etc. As a single individual, we can stop and/or eradicate such things. Maybe its a very tiny act for us , but it matter alot and maybe change someone life.
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Jamil Soomro, New York City
Jul 17, 2019 02:38pm
@Shehzad Memon, Saeen Munjha. Out of 10 people 9 would not take their own lives because something is bothering them emotionally.It is the weak one who doesn't see life in its true perspective succumbs to it. A cancer patient just wants to survive not emotionally but physically so there is nothing called "generic" over there?
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IJLAL HYDER
Jul 17, 2019 03:01pm
Meritorious article.....It makes easy to understand socially and mentally disturb people.
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Munazza Khan
Jul 17, 2019 03:03pm
A well, articulated article. Great job by the project directors. I am glad we are talking about mental health issues, and with the current social-cultural norms where people are still afraid to ask for help, this feature helps, by shedding light on how suicide can be prevented. Mental health should be treated like any other physical ailment. Always be empathetic and kind towards other people and if you're someone whose suffering ask for help. The first step is always the hardest, I urge you to take the first step towards healing. Seek help in whatever form possible.
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minsha ijaz
Jul 17, 2019 03:26pm
@QURESHI, i think there is need of a light but continous talk with depressed people around us being humans it is our moral duty we all know about them just they need our attention ,a good behaviour ,a smile and a bit moral support guys that's all
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minsha ijaz
Jul 17, 2019 03:46pm
AOA! the big strength of man is not things but a kind behaviour of other one we r communist guys we we rela te to one another we need to be patiance onto the other 's rude behaviour and must have strong emotional relations may ALLAH blessed us high morals
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Sana
Jul 17, 2019 04:07pm
Well...it was quite informative but still get confuse what councelrs will do when we , at our own don't want to move. What will do with the life, that had no meanings.
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ZK
Jul 17, 2019 04:59pm
@Asif, The list has options for other cities as well. The city names are on the top of list and you need to click on them. On mobile, please swipe left/right on table to see complete details. Hope this helps. Stay blessed!
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Daniyal Asghar
Jul 17, 2019 06:31pm
Great initiative at least someone talked about this ... For me the biggest reason for suicidal thoughts is society judging attitude our society start judging people through their Dressing, Career or looks even that leads some to give up their lives :'(
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Dr bushra
Jul 17, 2019 10:08pm
It is v big problem in our country where young adult ending there life in depression ..there should be more pschytric facclities in every where specialy in interior sindh where ratio is more for these isues..
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Adi
Jul 17, 2019 11:38pm
As a society our main problem is that ,we are fake. We don't discuss our main problems we just blame each other.we are unjust to eachther, this is where we are losing our gems everyday. Thankyou dawn for discussing such a vital issue...
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Maleeha
Jul 18, 2019 12:03am
Its just releiving when you see problems of other people.you just forget your own issues you realise your not alone.mantal health should be seriously dealt in our society.
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Syed A. Mateen
Jul 18, 2019 02:23am
The most important thing for parents is that they should never leave their children to feel neglected or isolated for that it is very important that parents should give equal time to all children whether they are un-married or married. With the passage of time when children are in growing age they learn or even adopt goods things or bad thing that can be either from class mates in schools, colleges or universities. Even married children do have problem and there are critical issues noticed particularly from married daughters. By talking every day with each of the child parents also come to know as which mental pressure childrens are going through. Human interaction with children is very important whether children live with parents under one roof, or in the same city or abroad. This needs time and energy and at times money as well. If parents will not come through as which mental stage children are going through this means that parents have intentionally neglected their children.
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