Ayesha, a 13-year-old girl from southern Punjab, used to be a bright, cheerful student. After the devastating floods this year, everything changed. Her family lost their home. Her father’s livelihood was washed away, and they were forced to relocate to a crowded shelter.

Since then, Ayesha has been struggling with persistent anxiety: trouble sleeping, constant worry, and sudden panic attacks at school. Her teachers noticed that she had become withdrawn and easily startled.

Ayesha’s story is not unique. Across Pakistan, thousands of children and adolescents like Ayesha are silently suffering the psychological consequences of disasters, climate change, poverty, displacement, and violence. Their pain is often invisible but no less real.

With the help of a local mental health and psychosocial support counsellor, and a trained teacher, Ayesha began to recover. She learned breathing techniques and mindfulness to manage her anxiety, joined a peer support group, and slowly regained her confidence. Her story is a reminder that healing is possible—that every child deserves the chance to thrive.

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With over 60 percent of Pakistan’s population under the age of 25, we are a remarkably young nation. This demographic reality presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. Ensuring the mental health of our children and adolescents is not only a moral imperative but also vital for our country’s future.

Unfortunately, many young people face a range of adversities that threaten their mental well-being. Natural disasters like floods and earthquakes displace families and disrupt lives. Poverty and unemployment create chronic stress and insecurity. Violence and abuse, both domestic and societal, leave deep emotional scars. Educational pressures, bullying, and lack of support in schools compound the burden.

Limited access to mental health services, especially in rural areas, leaves many without help. The result? A growing mental health crisis among Pakistan’s youth—one that demands urgent attention.

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Mental health isn’t just the absence of illness; it’s the foundation of how children think, feel, relate to others, and handle life’s challenges. Good mental health helps children thrive in school, build friendships, and grow into resilient adults. Poor mental health, on the other hand, can lead to academic failure, substance abuse, self-harm, and even suicide.

Yet, mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of public health in Pakistan. Stigma, lack of awareness, and limited resources mean that many children suffer in silence.

Child and adolescent mental health services are still in their infancy in our country. We struggle to establish formal referral pathways to psychiatric services for children with mental and behavioural problems, who are often presented to various practitioners in the community, including spiritual and faith healers.

Although the number of general adult psychiatrists is increasing, challenges remain in adding formal training programmes and specialised degree courses for trainees in many teaching institutions.

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Supporting the mental health of children and adolescents is not just the job of psychiatrists or psychologists; it’s a collective responsibility.

Parents are the frontline defenders of their children’s mental health. Open communication, emotional warmth, and consistent support can buffer children against stress. Parents should listen without judgment, encourage the expression of feelings, avoid harsh discipline or neglect, and seek help when needed.

Parenting programmes and community awareness campaigns can empower families to support their children better.

Schools are often the first place where signs of distress appear. Teachers and school staff can play a critical role in early identification and support. That is why Psychological First Aid (PFA) training for schoolteachers is a game-changer. It equips educators with the skills to recognise signs of emotional distress, provide basic support and reassurance, and refer children to appropriate services.

Creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments can also dramatically improve mental health outcomes.

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Mental health services must be integrated into primary healthcare and community settings. The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programme is a vital initiative that aims to provide psychological support in emergencies, train frontline workers in mental healthcare, and build referral systems for specialised help.

Expanding MHPSS across districts and rural areas can ensure that help reaches those who need it most.

Faith leaders and community influencers can also help reduce stigma and promote compassion. Their voices can encourage families to seek help and support mental health initiatives.

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Investing in child and adolescent mental health is not just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic one. By investing in their mental well-being today, we lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient society tomorrow.

Pakistan’s future depends on how well we care for its young minds today.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1350042-nurturing-young-minds