GLOBAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY FELLOWSHIP: MAY - NOVEMBER 2021

WHAT IS YOUR SPECIFIC AREA OF INTEREST IN YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY?

Anti-stigma and research advocacy.

WHY IS YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I work as a postgraduate trainee in psychiatry in KEMU/Mayo Hospital, Lahore. I have seen that as clinicians we can make micro level change in people’s life, but a macro level change and prevention of mental ill-health is only possible through advocacy and structural changes.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MENTAL HEALTH IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

People in Pakistan are subject to discrimination based on orientation, gender identity, religious or secular values. As a result, these minorities suffer from high level of distress, stress related disorders, depressive disorders and illness. The country has only 400 psychiatrists and these communities have much poorer access to services.