KARACHI: Incidence of self-harm, depression, suicidal thoughts and anger have increased dramatically over the past two decades among the youth who need counselling as well as support from the family to cope with the pressures of life.

This was stated by Prof Qudsia Tariq, chairperson of the Karachi University’s psychology department, while speaking to Dawn against the backdrop of some significant steps the department has recently taken to promote mental health, particularly among students.

The measures included the establishment of a clinic where trained counsellors are providing services at minimal charges and launch of collaboration with four professional bodies catering to the needs of differently abled persons and promoting mental health.

“The major reason behind the growing frustration and confusion among the youth is the communication gap between parents and children, which you may also describe as a generation gap. Today, parents have no time for their children to listen to their day-to-day happenings and share their small achievements and failures,” Prof Tariq noted.

Counselling clinic opens for public at Karachi University

Parents, she pointed out, just wanted their children to get enrolled in a reputed school, obtain a good grade and get a high-paying job later in life.

“To fulfil this dream, often both husband and wife have to work and practically leave with no productive time at the end of the day for their children who need their support to understand his or her individuality and the pressures of life,” she explained.

Parents should talk and try to understand their children instead of imposing their views and decisions on them, she added.

Positive development

Prof Tariq, who has been practicing as a clinical psychologist for 26 years, shared that a major positive development that had taken place in a few decades in the field was that now people realised the importance of mental health and counselling.

“Earlier, patients who had already been diagnosed with psychiatric illness were brought to us by their families. Today, the patient understands that he or she has a problem that needs to be addressed and approaches us directly. But, the flip side is the growing number of patients.”

About the KU counselling clinic, Prof Tariq said her team had ensured that clients were provided with complete confidentiality. “This is one of the most important things in counselling as there are issues, for instance, sexual harassment, which are difficult to be discussed at home and, at times, even with a friend. You need someone who is not only a patient listener but also understands your predicament and suggests a solution.”

In its efforts to enhance research and students’ training on the campus, the department has recently signed memorandums of understanding with four organisations — the Centre for Autism Rehabilitation and Training, Special Olympics Pakistan, Karwan-i-Hayat Institute for Mental Health Care and Charter for Compassion Society of Pakistan.

According to teachers, this collaboration will provide students with the much-needed platform to learn and get first-hand experience in dealing with mental health issues.

The counselling clinic is open for the general public from 11am to 4pm.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2022