Over 20pc People Suffering From Mental Disorders: Prof Aftab

Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published October 15, 2018 | 06:03 AM

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Oct, 2018 ) :Mental and psychological disorders are on the rise in the country, while over 20 per cent population is suffering from such disorders currently.

This was stated by chairman of Psychiatrist Department of King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Prof Aftab Asif in an exclusive talk in connection with the World Mental Health Day on Sunday.

He said that mental illness is the second highest disease in the world after cardiac disease, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that if the rising number of mental disease patients continues,it would become number one disease in 2025 in the world. He said that around 250,000 mentally ill people in country tried to commit suicide annually due to different reasons.

When asked what are the reasons of rising mental illness? Prof Aftab said that drug addiction, depression and absence of physical exercise or activities in routine life are the major contributory factors of rising mental disorder among the people.

Less sleep and long talk on mobile-phone late at night also play role in rising depression in youths, he added.

He said that children suffering from insomnia may have weak memory or dementia and other such diseases. He advised parents to keep check on their children especially late homecoming at nights.

Prof Aftab said that unfortunately people suffering from mental illness and psychological problems contact spiritual healers where their condition further aggravate. When the patient reaches the final stage, the attendants try to contact a doctor. He said that sometimes parents enforce their will on their children regarding their professional carrier, which also results in frustration and depression among the youth.

He said that in medical colleges, 30 per cent students get admission to fulfil the wishes of their parents.

He urged parents that they should let their children decide what they want to do in their life He said that healthy bodyis necessary for a healthy mind.