The conversation around mental health has begun in Pakistan. However, mental illnesses have numerous manifestations. It doesn’t just end with depression and anxiety. In fact, that barely scrapes the surface of the discussion around mental well-being. Therefore, when people muster up the courage to talk about mental illnesses, their stories shed light on the disorders plaguing our country.

This woman bravely shared her khala‘s struggle with mental health issues

She took to Reddit to discuss her ordeal and seek advice.

The author of the post mentioned how the family kept the house locked to prevent their paranoia-stricken aunt from escaping.

However, the aunt still attempted to escape and sustained a few injuries in the process. Moreover, she almost got her family member arrested, claiming they want to murder her.

The post caught the attention of some users. They stepped in to help and pointed out how the aunt needed to be diagnosed properly.

Emphasis was laid on taking the aunt to a psychiatrist. Moreover, the concerned user also offered some medical suggestions.

(However, to all those reading this – please don’t try to diagnose yourselves or self-medicate. Seeking a professional’s help is essential.)

The author then further elaborated on her aunt’s condition and received a prompt reply.

She explained her paranoid aunt’s behavior. The need to seek a psychiatrist’s help was only highlighted further.

Some people even came forward to help in a more active way.

Others provided the author of the post with some detailed insight.

Preventive measures such as installing grills to keep the aunt safe were discussed.

Moreover, the fact that mental illnesses are often ignored was also highlighted. Keeping the aunt in one of the many homes like ‘Dar-ul-Sukun’ was also pointed out.

What truly captures the essence of such an exchange is the empathy shown by the readers. It was met with immense gratitude by the author of the post.

Sharing such stories takes immense courage in Pakistan, where the majority is quick to write off mental illnesses as mere “pagalpan.”

However, to see a constructive conversation take place on the topic is definite progress. Moreover, it’s truly heartening to see people stepping in to help, barring all judgments. Here’s hoping our society, as a whole, becomes this empathic and helpful, especially where matters of mental health are concerned.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments.