Women in Afghanistan struggle with soaring mental health issues: Report

Officials from the Mental Health Department of the Herat Regional Hospital have reported a concerning increase in the number of women suffering from mental illnesses.

According to the report, at least eighty per cent of those seeking help at the Herat Psychotherapy Hospital are women and girls.

According to a United Nations report, since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, women in Afghanistan have been grappling with deep and increasing psychological issues.

A doctor at the Herat psychotherapy hospital, who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said: “Every day, 100 people come to the Herat psychotherapy centre, and 80 per cent of them are women.”

Sources at the Herat Regional Hospital say that they have cared for 400 people in a month, but the number of patients is increasing daily.

Economic problems, domestic violence, a bleak future, and restricted educational and employment opportunities under the Taliban regime are cited as factors contributing to the rise in women’s mental illnesses.

With the Taliban’s return to power, women face widespread restrictions. Girls are prevented from attending schools and universities, and women are barred from working.

Since the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, they have prohibited girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade. This restriction has contributed to mental health issues among young girls, leaving them with a bleak future.

Additionally, the severe humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has pressured families into consenting to underage marriages. Reports indicate a significant increase in the incidence of such marriages across the country.

Women are concerned that in such a situation, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan might be recognized.