Lack of Mental Health Services in Pakistan

Mental health in Pakistan remains a neglected and often stigmatized issue, especially in workplaces. Many employees struggle silently with stress, anxiety and burnout as companies have little to no concern for their well-being. Even in countries with advanced mental health systems, burnout poses major challenges. American companies, for instance, lose an estimated $4,000 to $21,000 per employee annually due to lost productivity and turnover. In Pakistan, where access to mental health support is limited and stigma persists, the risks of burnout, financial loss and employee disengagement are even more severe.

According to the World Health Organization, “Pakistan has only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest numbers in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the whole world.” Given these alarming statistics, companies have a big responsibility to take proactive steps in supporting employee well-being, as they are in a unique position to bridge this gap through a variety of initiatives.

“Poor working environments – including discrimination and inequality, excessive workloads, low job control, and job insecurity – pose a risk to mental health,” as per WHO. In Pakistan, there is a dire need for businesses to address these issues, particularly to empower the female workforce. According to Pakistan’s first female Supreme Court judge, Justice Ayesha Malik, “Creating safe spaces for women is critical. In the building where I work from, there are no bathrooms for women.” Considering this, it is imperative that companies create an inclusive and safe environment, which caters to diverse people with different backgrounds and abilities

Fostering a healthy work culture is more achievable in coworking spaces than in traditional offices, as their model is designed to help employees build a sense of community while offering the flexibility they need to work in ways that suit them best. With facilities such as on-site cafes and gaming rooms for unwinding, as well as kids’ playrooms that help parents maintain a healthy work-life balance, coworking spaces create an environment that supports both productivity and well-being. These facilities also help businesses retain and attract talent while also reducing expenses associated with high employee turnover.

According to Junaid Chaudary, Global VP of Engineering at Beyond ONE, “When you want to attract the best talent, you have to give them the best environment to work in. One of the reasons we chose Daftarkhwan is that it gave our people the best experience.”

This October, which marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Daftarkhwan has extended its commitment to wellness beyond the workspace. In collaboration with Ambiance Hotels and Resorts, we’re bringing exclusive opportunities for our supercommunity members to unwind, recharge and prioritize self-care through relaxing retreats.

Within our spaces, we’ve also arranged community wellness sessions, including a mental health check-in with certified clinical psychologist Maha Sohail at Daftarkhwan | Vogue.

With limited mental health services and resources in Pakistan, initiatives like these can be vital in breaking the stigma around conversations of mental health. As more organizations take proactive steps toward supporting their teams, we move closer to a future where mental health is treated with the same care and importance as physical health.

To seek professional guidance for mental health-related concerns, you can reach out to trusted platforms such as Taskeen and BeMe.