Lost Childhood: The Mental Health Struggles of Pakistan’s Youth

With nearly 65% of Pakistan’s population under 30, the mental well-being of our youth isn’t just important—it’s the backbone of our nation’s future. Yet, child and adolescent mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of healthcare. Struggles with anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are often brushed off as mere ‘mood swings’ or ‘bad behaviour’. Beneath these dismissive labels, however, lies a deeper crisis—one fueled by cultural stigma, societal pressures, and a glaring lack of support, leaving countless children to navigate their battles alone.

Pakistan faces a critical gap in data on child mental health. Unlike physical illnesses, psychological struggles among children remain largely undocumented, reflecting the widespread neglect of mental health services for young people.

The numbers that we do have, tell a heartbreaking story.

A recent study in Pakistan found that over 53% of high school students (ages 15–18) struggle with anxiety and depression, yet their battles go unnoticed and unsupported. These are not just numbers—they represent real lives overshadowed by silent suffering.

However the crisis runs deeper.

Research indicates that 10–20% of children in community settings show signs of psychiatric disorders, with stress, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse alarmingly prevalent. Yet, these figures are just the tip of the iceberg. The true scale of the problem remains unknown—because we haven’t been looking closely enough.

Because mental health struggles in children are too often dismissed as “bad behavior” or “just a phase.” A child struggling with anxiety is told to “stop overthinking,” while one with ADHD is unfairly labelled as “disobedient.” But these aren’t just fleeting moods or discipline issues—they are real struggles with lasting consequences.

Ignoring mental health means setting children up for failure in the form of academic struggles, social isolation, and emotional distress that can follow them into adulthood. The longer we look the other way, the harder it becomes to break the vicious cycle.

In Pakistan, academic achievement is often viewed as the golden ticket to a secure future. From a young age, children are pushed to excel academically, with little consideration for their personal interests or emotional well-being. Shockingly, studies reveal that 1 in 4 school-going young children experience psychosocial distress, yet mental health remains a taboo topic in both schools and households.

The pressure doesn’t stop at academics. Family expectations add another layer of stress—strict parenting styles, a lack of emotional support, and relentless career pressures often leave young people feeling overwhelmed. These dynamics contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, and fractured relationships. Toxic home environments, marked by frequent conflicts, arguments, and even abuse, further exacerbate the problem. Over time, these factors increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and self-harm, while also eroding a young person’s confidence and straining their bond with their parents.

Compounding this issue is the persistent cultural stigma and social taboo which further complicates the mental health struggles, that are seen as signs of weakness, spiritual afflictions ('jinn'), or even curses ('kaala jaadu'). The deeply ingrained stigma leads many families to turn to faith healers and religious leaders long before considering professional help. While these traditional practices are rooted in cultural beliefs, they often delay proper diagnosis and treatment, leaving countless children to suffer in silence without the care they need.

Another pressing factor is the digital era, which is contributing to an additional layer of challenges for young people in Pakistan. Social media has become a central part of their lives, but with little parental guidance, they are increasingly vulnerable to its adverse effects. Constant exposure to curated, idealized lives online may lead to feelings of insecurity, leading individuals to question their self-worth. At the same time, excessive screen time reduces face-to-face interactions, leaving many feeling isolated, disconnected and lost. The pressure to maintain a perfect online persona only adds to their stress and anxiety, worsening existing mental health issues.

To make matters worse, Pakistan faces a critical shortage of child mental health professionals. With only 1-2 specialists for every 2-3 million children, these experts are stretched thin, managing not just neurological and developmental disorders but also learning difficulties and psychiatric illnesses. Unlike in Western countries, where mental health services are more specialized and accessible for all age groups, professionals in Pakistan are overwhelmed, struggling to meet the growing demand with limited resources.

Adding to the web of complexities is the role of gender and family dynamics. Interestingly, in Pakistan, a child’s gender and position in the family can greatly impact their mental health and access to care. Girls, in particular, often face significant disadvantages. They are subjected to stricter discipline due to deeply ingrained gender biases and are less likely to receive medical attention, especially for behavioural issues like ADHD. While behavioural problems in boys are often tolerated or even culturally normalised, similar issues in girls are frequently ignored, leaving many to struggle without adequate support.

Birth order also shapes a child’s experience. Middle children are often overlooked or treated harshly compared to the firstborn, seen as a role model, or the youngest, who is typically pampered. This neglect leaves middle children less likely to receive mental health care, perpetuating cycles of inequality.

All the issues unpacked above reflect that Pakistan’s mental health situation is dire, but it is not hopeless. Practical, community-driven solutions can help turn the tide. We can address challenges before they escalate by strengthening early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies. Schools can serve as vital support hubs, while investments in mental health infrastructure, community empowerment, and primary healthcare can help bridge existing gaps.

Early intervention and prevention are crucial in addressing this crisis. By educating and raising awareness among teachers and parents, we can empower them to identify psychological, emotional, and behavioural challenges in children, ensuring they receive the right support before their issues escalate. Implementing mental health programs in schools, fostering peer support networks, and launching awareness campaigns can help make discussions about mental well-being more common, breaking down stigma and encouraging those in need to seek help.

Additionally, engaging traditional healers and religious leaders can bridge the gap between cultural beliefs and modern mental healthcare, making it more accessible and acceptable to families.

To address the dire shortage of trained professionals, we need dedicated paediatric behavioural health centers that bring services under one roof. These centers would connect parents and schools with multidisciplinary teams—including psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers—ensuring comprehensive care. Furthermore, a well-structured referral system is essential to provide children with tailored, holistic treatment that goes beyond polypharmacy and mishandling, addressing the root causes of their mental health struggles rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

The mental health of Pakistan’s youth is a collective responsibility. To build a stronger future, we must break the silence, challenge stigma, and ensure mental health care is accessible to all as a basic right, not a luxury. By fostering awareness, early intervention, and accessible support, we can empower young minds to thrive, not just survive.

Imagine a Pakistan where every child feels seen, heard, and supported. This vision is within reach, but it requires action from all of us: parents, teachers, policymakers, and communities. Let’s create safe spaces, advocate for better resources, and prioritize mental health as a national priority.

Afterall, a nation's strength lies in the minds of its youth—let’s ensure they are nurtured, not neglected!

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For further reading and references, see the list below:

• Being. (2024). Mapping Youth Mental Health Landscapes: Local Insights from 13 Countries.

• Chachar, A. S., & Mian, A. I. (Year). A Review of Intersection of Social Determinants and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Case for Social Psychiatry in Pakistan.

• Ghazal, L. (n.d.). Mental health issues of adolescents in Pakistan: A cry for help. Shandong University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University

• Hamdani, S. U., Huma, Z., & Tamizuddin-Nizami, A. (2021). Debate: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Pakistan; Do We Need In-Patient Mental Health Facilities for Children and Young People? Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 26(2), 165-166.

• Khan, F., Shehzad, R. K., & Chaudhry, H. R. (2008). Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Pakistan: Current Situation, Future Directions and Possible Solutions. International Psychiatry, 5(4), 86-88. 

• Mian, A. (2013). Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Pakistan. Adolescent Psychiatry, 3(1), 14-17. 

• Talat, A., Khan, S. E., & Hassan, M. (n.d.). Stigmatization of seeking mental health care: Youth perspectives from Pakistan.

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