Cultural Non-Acceptance of Mental Distress as a Disease
The latest episode of Ranra (light) on 12th October, 2017, focused on the importance of World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th, and the reasons behind our society’s negative attitude towards mental disease.
The program discussed how the wave of militancy severely affected the population of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). This psychological anguish, along with the lack of resources, impacted their worldview leading to frustration and negativity. Their inability in differentiating between trauma and ill effects of constant pressure hindered them in actively seeking the services of mental health experts. The absence of professional help was another factor inhibiting mental treatment. Perhaps most significantly, the population regarded seeking mental health treatment as a taboo activity.
Dr. Aziz Muhammad, Registrar Psychiatry Ward of Khyber Teaching Hospital was a guest in the show. He stated that a lot of children develop psychological issues due to the negligence of parents and their inability in detecting signs of stress. He suggested that this is one area that should be addressed as early as possible.
A CRSS correspondent report was played during the show showcasing public perception regarding mental health problems. One caller asked the guest about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
About Sabawoon:
Sabawoon airs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) since 2011. It began as a counter-radicalization, strategic communications programme, designed to highlight and promote the fundamental governance values such as democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, and equal citizenry, social cohesion.
The show airs Monday through Thursday every week under four themes on FM-101.5 Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan 711 KHZ from 3:20 PM to 4:00 PM.
On Monday, Jarga Maraka covers current affairs and important regional issues with an input from government and other senior officials. On Tuesday, Da Simay Jaaj gives an overview of the top stories from KP and FATA regions. Jwandai Jazbey airs on Wednesday and deals with issues of relevance to, and significance for, youth, students and women. Socio-cultural affairs are discussed in Ranra on Thursday. And last but not the least, a road show named Taroon highlights the social issues such as civic education.
The primary objective of the show has been to underline the criticality of constitutionalism, fundamental rights, public accountability and the rule of law for countering extremism illegalities of all forms.