KABUL (SW) – Social restrictions on girls and women in Afghanistan, particularly those denied education, have profoundly impacted their social, economic, and psychological well-being.
Maryam (a pseudonym), a girl from Herat, has experienced severe depression since schools closed to girls above the sixth grade. She said, “Since the schools closed, I feel restless; I think I’ve lost something. I have no more dreams. I feel all my happiness has vanished.”
Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are increasingly affecting young women in Herat. Maryam explains: “I have no vision of my future; I see it as dark and have no desires left. Life feels meaningless.”
Family support is crucial for mental health, but Maryam feels pressure from her family, who insist she should marry. “They put more pressure on me and tell me to get married, which only adds to my pain.”
Maryam’s mother is also worried about her daughter’s mental state. Despite recognizing her daughter’s depression, she hopes for her recovery. “It has been almost two years since my daughter fell into depression. She stays at home all day, eats poorly, and doesn’t want to go out; she sits in a corner and doesn’t talk to anyone,” she said.
More Afghan girls and women are experiencing debilitating depression. Sapida, another girl facing these struggles, says, “I feel like I’m not really alive; life has become exhausting. I don’t want to attend gatherings or social events; I have no motivation left.”
The monotony of life is another factor contributing to mental health disorders among women in Herat. Muzhda explains: “The lack of activities and unemployment make me feel like a burden. I used to be busy with school. The monotonous routine is draining; I wish I had something productive to do.”
The increase in mental health disorders has raised concerns among therapists in Herat.
A female therapist based in Herat, who wanted to remain anonymous, confirms to Salam Watandar the rising mental health issues among young women. she says, “The rates of mental disorders among girls have increased; they are suffering from severe depression. Suicide rates have also risen, and many mental health issues that were previously hidden have surfaced since schools closed, striking a heavy blow to their mental well-being. Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks have become the most common mental health issues among girls.”
But how accessible are mental health services for these women? The therapist explained, “Women have very limited access to appropriate mental health services, which has contributed to the rise in mental health disorders among them.” She emphasizes the need for more clinics focused on mental health and qualified professionals to provide adequate care.
Root causes of mental health disorders among women
According to the therapist, the primary cause of mental health disorders in Afghanistan is “war, social restrictions, low cultural levels, lack of awareness about mental health issues, insufficient understanding of how to access treatment services, parental mental health problems, and economic hardship all contribute to the psychological struggles among women.”
Socially, mental health disorders in women can create significant challenges in their daily lives and families.
Sotuda (a pseudonym), a sociologist in Herat, says, “Women’s depression within families can lead to various family problems, including conflicts, neglect of children, husbands, and household responsibilities, as well as, impatience in all aspects of life.”
She adds that depression among women can also have negative impacts on society. “When women in a community suffer from depression, the society itself can become stagnant or dysfunctional, as half of its potential is paralyzed, hindering social development and growth.”
The sociologist identifies social restrictions on girls and women, as well as the dire economic and political situation in the country, as key factors contributing to mental health disorders.
Sotuda asserts that unless opportunities for women to engage in work outside the home are created, they will not be able to struggle and overcome their mental health challenges. “Financial support from organizations and donors is essential, and the government must pay more attention to women’s needs.”
Experts in psychotherapy and sociology in Herat believe that increasing public awareness about mental health issues is the first step towards addressing these disorders among women. Following this, qualified psychologists should be integrated into treatment centers, and more facilities should be established to provide adequate mental health services.
