In a significant development for mental health support in the region, the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan in collaboration with the Brain & Mind Institute, has unveiled the Taskeen mental health helpline at the Aga Khan Medical Centre in Gilgit. This helpline aims to provide timely, easily accessible, and confidential mental health assistance to the people of Gilgit. The helpline will offer free psychological support and counseling services provided by trained psychologists fluent in local languages from Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
The launch event was graced by Mr. Mohyuddin Wani, Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, who expressed the pressing need for safe spaces and support systems for individuals facing mental health challenges. "Mental health issues are often stigmatized, and there aren't enough safe spaces for people to seek help. We hope that the Taskeen helpline will provide a safe and private space for people to talk about their problems and receive support from trained professionals," stated Mr. Wani.
Recent studies have highlighted the alarming prevalence of depression and anxiety in Pakistan, emphasizing the urgency to address the country's mental health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, mental disorders account for more than 4% of Pakistan's total disease burden, disproportionately affecting women. Vulnerable groups include women in the perinatal period and young individuals. Approximately 40% of perinatal women in Pakistan suffer from depressive disorder or anxiety. Similarly, studies in the region have shown that nearly 40% of individuals who have attempted or died by suicide experienced depression. Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, in particular, have reported high suicide rates in recent years. It is estimated that around 24 million people in Pakistan require psychiatric assistance.
The Head of Clinical Units, speaking on behalf of Mr. Nadeem Abbas, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the support from the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in addressing the mental health crisis. "It boosts our confidence immensely that the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have expressed concern and have always provided their support in addressing the looming mental health crisis. We look forward to working closely with them to make a lasting change," the representative stated.
Dr. Zul Merali, Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute hailed the helpline as a collaborative effort that addresses the critical need for mental health support among community members who suffer in silence. He emphasized the importance of treating mental health conditions without shame, drawing parallels with other physical health conditions.
The Helpline is an integral component of a comprehensive mental health services model, employing a stepped care approach. It represents one of the numerous care alternatives being established through collaborative efforts between Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, Brain and Mind Institute, Taskeen Health Initiative, and the Government. In its initial three-year pilot phase, the Helpline will cater to 1500 individuals annually from this vulnerable mountainous region, effectively connecting those with more significant requirements to the broader healthcare system.
The partnership between AKU BMI and other stakeholders has been instrumental in enabling this initiative, facilitating the development of protocols, and ensuring the provision of sustained care. Furthermore, AKU BMI has actively engaged in data collection and analysis, enabling continuous improvement of services by learning from the generated data.
