KABUL (SW) – Salam Watandar has conducted interviews with 30 young individuals in Afghanistan suffering from mental health issues to examine their access to related services.
These interviews, which took place in 14 provinces, reveal that 12 participants have not sought counseling due to societal stigma, economic challenges, and a lack of trust in available services.
Among the 30 interviewees, 18 reported discussing their mental health issues with counselors—11 in person and 7 online.
While some organizations offer free mental health counseling, many young people are deterred by the distance to these centers, lack of awareness, and societal misconceptions about mental health.
Hussain, a 25-year-old from Balkh, shared that he has been experiencing excessive anxiety and stress for some time but has avoided seeking help due to the negative societal perception of mental health. He said, “One reason I haven’t visited a counselor is that society views mental health differently, reducing the person’s life to their illness and exaggerating the issue.”
Many interviewees mentioned that they cannot access counseling due to the distance of centers from their homes and financial limitations.
Ahmad, 33, from Kabul, said, “I haven’t visited a counseling center because it’s not available in our area, and there is no psychiatrist to help with my issues.”
Tania, a 28-year-old from Mazar-e-Sharif, has been struggling with mental health issues for two years but has been unable to seek help due to financial constraints. “I haven’t been able to visit a counselor or psychiatrist because I couldn’t afford the sessions, even online,” she added.
Among the 30 participants in this report, 12 reported receiving psychological counseling.
Narges, 35, from Badakhshan, who suffered from aggression, shared that after receiving counseling, her condition improved significantly. “I struggled with this illness for three years and received both online and in-person counseling. After two months of collaboration, the counseling helped me by almost 70%,” she said.
Gulsum, 23, from Kabul, said that a friend found a counselor for her. “We had an online session last week, which was helpful. I was able to resolve my stress and other problems. Now, I feel much better.”
Psychologists emphasize that visiting counseling centers and receiving professional guidance can help prevent and manage mental health issues.
Mohammadullah, a psychologist, stated, “People with mental health issues often avoid seeking help due to the stigma associated with these disorders. By the time they do seek help, the problem has become severe, impairing their functioning. There is a great need to educate the public for a better understanding of mental health.”
Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, said there are nearly 500 mental health counseling centers across Afghanistan providing free counseling and treatment services.
“All centers have counselors offering free services, and the rate of mental health issues has decreased by 25% compared to previous years,” he added.
Years of conflict, poverty, insecurity, and other challenges in Afghanistan have contributed to widespread mental health issues among its citizens.
