Let's Talk Mental Health
UNICEF Pakistan, in collaboration with the School of Leadership Foundation, has launched SHAMS (Self-care and Hope through Adolescent-led Mental Health and Psychosocial Support). This programme aims to equip adolescents and their caregivers with much-needed information on mental health and psychosocial needs to establish community-based support systems to help young people with their mental health.
- In low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, mental health and psychosocial support is often not given enough attention due to insufficient resources and limited awareness of the issue.
- Adolescence is a critical phase characterized by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive changes. Unfortunately, this transitional period often exposes young individuals to various stressors, including academic pressures, societal expectations, and personal identity issues.
- The stigma surrounding mental health in the country has historically discouraged open discussions, hindering timely interventions. It is crucial to mobilize, strengthen, and empower communities to support adolescents and work collaboratively to ensure early intervention, reduction in stigma, and increased awareness.
- Adopting community-based approaches can also help overcome the barriers to accessing mental health care by involving trusted community members who can provide support to those who need it.
- The program is being implemented in 34 districts across the country, including those affected by catastrophic floods last year.