Published 7 November 2026 · SABRIDGINGUS Private Limited
Pakistan's first nationally representative mental health survey has put a number on what many families already feel. Around a third of adults in the country are living with a mental or behavioural disorder right now.
What the research found
The survey ran from 2018 to 2022, led by Professor Raza-ur-Rahman of Hamdard University with UK and US partners, and was published in the BMJ. Post-traumatic stress disorder affected roughly one adult in five, and depression more than one in ten. The risk was higher for people with less education or income, people out of work, and people who were widowed, divorced or separated.
Speakers at the 26th International Conference on Mental Health in Karachi in 2025 gave a similar picture, also estimating that one in three Pakistanis is affected. They pointed to economic pressure, disasters, violence, drug use and domestic conflict as major drivers, and to a severe shortage of trained psychiatrists.
Why counselling matters
Most of these conditions respond well to structured counselling and therapy, often without medication. The gap is access: too few trained professionals, long waits, and the fear of being seen at a clinic.
Online counselling closes much of that gap. A family in Quetta or Gilgit can now see a US-trained counsellor from home, privately, in English or Urdu with a translator.
Signs it may be time to talk to someone
- Low mood, worry or irritability lasting more than two weeks
- Trouble sleeping, working or looking after family
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
- Anger that is hurting relationships
- Flashbacks or fear after a frightening event
How SABRIDGINGUS can help
We offer behavioural counselling, anger management, addiction counselling and family support online across Pakistan, following Washington State standards. Your first 15-minute session is free.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 15 (Police) or 1122 (Rescue), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Sources: Minute Mirror, Oct 2026 (BMJ national survey) · The Express Tribune, Oct 2025