Alarm raised over silent epidemic of mental health issues at workplace

A silent epidemic of mental health issues is sweeping through workplaces and institutions in Pakistan, leading psychiatrists and mental health experts warned on Monday, and called for legislative changes to mandate mental health support across all sectors.

Speaking at a round-table discussion titled ‘Let’s Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace: Focusing on Fostering Mental Wellbeing within Professional Environments’, the experts stressed the immediate necessity of appointing psychologists and psychiatrists in government, semi-government, autonomous and private organisations.

They highlighted that workplace stress, compounded by societal issues such as gender discrimination and social intolerance, has become a growing concern in Pakistan. Many employees, fearing stigma, avoid seeking help, which exacerbates the mental health issues.

During the discussion, organised by the Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA) and the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science & Technology (Szabist), experts emphasised the importance of mental health services in high-stress sectors like law enforcement and educational institutions, where mental health challenges are often overlooked but significantly impact performance and wellbeing.

SMHA Chairman Dr Karim Khwaja asserted that mental health services must become a legal requirement. “We’re facing a silent epidemic of mental health issues in our workplaces and institutions. It’s crucial to implement laws that mandate mental health professionals in these environments.”

Szabist Vice President Dr Altaf shared experiences of providing mental health support to students, noting that it led to significant improvements in their academic performance. “Students who received mental health services were able to manage stress better and excel academically,” he said, advocating for similar support structures for teachers and staff.

Leading psychiatrist Prof Dr Iqbal Afridi recommended psychological evaluations during recruitment processes to ensure mental wellbeing from the outset. “Mental health screenings should be as important as physical health checks during hiring. Identifying issues early can help employees thrive,” he suggested, and also proposed long-term partnerships between organisations and mental health service providers to sustain this support.

According to the World Health Organisation, untreated mental health issues are one of the leading causes of reduced productivity worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception.

Brain Clinic Director Majid Ali Abidi emphasised the importance of early intervention. “Preventive mental health measures in the workplace are essential. Addressing issues before they worsen can save lives and significantly boost organisational performance.” Szabist Dean Dr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh drew attention to the long-term damage caused by neglecting mental health at work, linking it to broader societal pressures.