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In collaboration with the International Association for Suicide and the World Health Organization (WHO), the day of September 10, and the Day of Society, and the Day of Society, and the Day of Society, serves as a powerful reminder on September 10 every year, that suicide is not inevitable. This day is dedicated to raising global awareness and encouraging communities, healthcare professionals and policy makers to work together to offer the hope and assistance of those who are at risk. It also highlights the importance of sympathy as well as timely interference and collective responsibility in saving life.
According to the WHO, the March 2025 statistics, every year, more than 720,000 people around the world lose their lives, causing it to be a global health challenge. Among the youngsters worldwide, who is 15 to 29 years old, suicide has become tragic, the third leading cause of death. The dangerous thing is that 73 % of these deaths are found in lower and middle -income countries, where mental health resources are often limited. Behind these numbers are real human life, families and communities that are facing silent suffering.
For many years, our nation has struggled with neglect in important areas – employment, housing, transport, health, education, justice and peace. In addition, drug use and tobacco misuse increase the risk of suicide. As a result, people have been burdened with a lot of psychological and emotional stress, which creates a population under constant pressure. The weight of these challenges is often expressed in our everyday lives – in our streets, in our homes and sometimes in the heart -wrenching and extreme behavior, which involves suicide and violence.
Pakistan lacks official suicide figures. The WHO estimates that the country’s rate is 8.9 deaths every 100,000 people – which is just below the global average. Statistics across the province tell a different story. Individual studies and data on various websites show significant differences in access to mental health care in Pakistan. Rural areas, especially, limited resources, with little awareness of some trained professionals and the community, face unnoticed psychological problems. These differences highlight the urgent need to promote such measures outside the isolated districts, and ensure equal mental health support for all provinces.
Media reporting is needed for suicide. Census, defamation and excessive people can silence people who suffer and discourage them from seeking help. Who is the 2023 guidelines, which is available on its website, emphasizes that the media has an important role in creating a public understanding of mental health. These guidelines encourage accurate, sympathetic and notorious reporting, while highlighting the complexity of suicide, including cases related to the abuse of firearms. By following these standards, the media can become a powerful ally in the prevention efforts, raising awareness, creating understanding in important areas of mental health and promoting responsibility.
There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals in Pakistan, which estimates the proportion of psychologist, which has about 0.19 0.19 in every 100,000 people. This helps the treatment of therapeutic difference, as more than 90 % of the population is treated in normal mental disorders.
In Pakistan, pressure from a standard suicide registration system is needed, so as to understand and focus on the actual breadth of this public health crisis. The absence of reliable national data not only hides the real scale of the crisis but also delays the meaningful process. In addition, there is a dire need for high quality research studies to better understand the main causes of suicide in Pakistan and to guide effective strategies for prevention. Reliable evidence is needed to be aware of national policies, design culturally appropriate interference and allocate resources, where they are most needed.
Pakistan has a severe shortage of mental health professionals. Estimates are the proportion of psychologists, with about 100 0.19 per 100,000 people. This helps the treatment of therapeutic difference, as more than 90 % of the population is treated in normal mental disorders.
At the Out Patient Clinic, use sympathetic and optimistic language when addressing health care professionals, especially family physicians, suicide intentions. Soft reminders such as: “You are not lonely in this journey,” or “Accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” can create a sense of contact and safety. They should encourage patients to embrace their environment and to praise themselves successfully, reminding them: “Money is not just wealth, and your cost is not just for your work.” They should also highlight the importance of balance, saying that “your social life and personal activities are as meaningful as your professional role.” They should promote small, sustainable steps towards activity and recovery, such as “even the minimum effort counting, every step forward.” Above all, they should emphasize patience and possibility: “Recovery takes time, but this is possible. Particularly in your mind, do not close the door on yourself.” Such words, spoke with compassion, can open space of hope and fitness.
Finding professional help is very important. Crisis helplines provide immediate support. Anyone who is looking for suicide questions on Google in Pakistan, such as “How can I commit suicide”, will now be sent to the Pakistan Helpline 0311-7786264. It offers secret consultation. Happy KP Helpline 0337-9216207 aims to provide secret support to phone, email, video and chat. It organizes team programs in Peshawar, and one to consult a consultation. In addition, toll-free mental health helpline is available at 0800-44488 in Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar for immediate help. In Gilgit-Baltistan, working with family health hospitals and static clinics, help can reach 05811-920334. The helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. In Punjab, it runs from Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Mobile phone users can also dial 0800-44488 (standard call charges may apply). These services provide a secret and sympathy for those who want to help and guide hard times.
As one of Pakistan’s most trusted centers for the treatment and restoration of mental health in three major cities of the country, Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, the methods are recognized as one of Pakistan’s most trusted centers. Beyond medical care, the ways of increasing their access to their YouTube channel, where suicide prevention strategies are shared to increase awareness and guide the needy.
Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, was established in 1998 in memory of General Dr. Isharat Hussain (late), a leading psychologist in Pakistan. It is committed to promoting the mental fitness of children and adolescents as well as their families, which aims to support healthy psychological growth and social development. In 2021, Aga Khan University launched a pilot study in Badin, Sindh, which focused on the role of Lady Health Workers (LHWS) in the mental health of the community. As part of the move, the LHWS received special training to identify and deal with mental health concerns. He then implemented this knowledge in his communities, offered assistance and basic consultation to the needy. The study highlights the ability to empower Frontline Health Workers with mental health education. This approach can be extended to other parts of the country, including family physicians. Pakistan can create a strong frontline system by training both Lady Health Workers and Family physicians in basic mental health care.
Full recovery is needed to emerge by suicide attempt. Physical, emotional, spiritual resources are essential for the flexible approach. We should continue to work towards a society where mental health is given priority. Key measures include the formation of a suicide prevention task force, integrating life skills and mental health education in schools and universities and encouraging research in self -harm. The same important responsible and sympathetic media is promoting media reporting. At a broader level, sustainable economic reforms – such as employment creation, skills, and access to interest -free microfinance – are essential to empower communities and reduce frustration.
The author is a family physician at Evercare Hospital in Lahore.
