Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services: A Perspective From Working and Non-Working Class

Abstract

In Pakistan, obtaining mental health services is a prevailing societal barrier. Lack of education and awareness towards mental health has caused long-term damage. The present study has sought to explore the perceived barriers to accessing mental health services and to identify the contributing factors towards mental health issues in Karachi, Pakistan. This study employed exploratory approach. Our study conducted 20 semi-structured interviews in the developing country context (Pakistan). The major identified barriers were unaffordability and societal taboo, lack of awareness towards mental distress issues and inaccessibility of professionals (psychologists and psychiatrists). Principal reasons for depression among individuals were suppression of feelings and the need for privacy in life. Authors have explored changing trends in current times where individuals now bear an optimistic attitude towards seeking help and with lots of awareness campaigns underway to educate the masses. The authors primarily recommended the reduction of barriers to mental distress by making it affordable and easily accessible.