Societal taboos and inadequate knowledge of mental health have long hindered the proper treatment of mental health disorders in Pakistan. Despite the emotional toll that disasters like last year's devastating earthquake there take on people, mental health needs often are not met. International Medical Corps places particular emphasis on providing mental health treatment, particularly through training and community awareness programs. IMC is educating Pakistani primary health professionals and community volunteers on how to recognize and deal with mental illness.

Photo: IMC

Graduates of IMC's mental health training program in Pakistan.

IMC Pakistan's mental health staff has organized a two-month-long mental health training program for 30 community mental health volunteers. They have learned how to identify and provide medical support to those who suffer from mental illnesses.

"The purpose of the training is not only to assist patients, but to develop a sustainable community system, which will also be endorsed by the local health authorities," said Dr. Boris Budosan, IMC mental health/psychosocial-coordinator. "The training has enabled community mental health volunteers to find mental health patients and refer them to primary health care doctors who will refer them to a psychiatrist, if necessary."

"Mental health needs cannot be properly addressed in brief programs. The main pathological responses to the disaster are unlikely to emerge in the first few weeks and, if it is to be effective in both preventing and mitigating some of the worst effects of a disaster, more time is needed to properly develop an effective mental health program," says Lynne Jones, IMC's technical adviser in mental health.

According to the World Health Organization, depressive disorders are the fourth leading cause of the global disease burden and are expected to rank second in the next 15 years. With almost half of all countries lacking any mental health policy, and a quarter lacking appropriate legislation, it is an important component of a well-rounded relief and development effort.

Photo: IMC

A child proudly holds his mother's mental health training program diploma.

IMC works toward long-term sustainability of community mental health programs by teaching participants how to become self-reliant. IMC's training in Pakistan and elsewhere has improved the knowledge, attitudes and practices at the grassroots level. Trained volunteers can now identify, refer and assist people who suffer from mental health disorders. IMC is creating community awareness to erase the stigma and confusion about mental health disorders so that those who suffer can receive treatment and community acceptance.

"I used to get irritated with women who still wept all day over the loss of their loved ones in the earthquake, but now I have a better understanding of their problems. I know that I have to be polite to them and that they need more help," said Sadia, a community mental health volunteer. "Now I try to spend more time with them and try to comfort them. I try to make them busy in household chores and try to make them forget their dreadful pasts."

"I came as a patient first, but I was attracted to the community mental health training as it provided me opportunities to find my own weaknesses in behavior and discover ways for improvement," said Zahoor, another volunteer. "I can now easily recognize the people with mental health problems. We all are very grateful to IMC for its training and support."