Crisis of Mental Illness Among Women in Afghanistan: A Growing Concern

The Return of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021 has brought about a silent crisis affecting numerous women in the country. A recent United Nations report sheds light on the growing mental health challenges faced by Afghan women, particularly in the Herat province. Officials from the mental health department at Herat regional hospital have noted a concerning increase in the number of women seeking treatment for psychological disorders.

According to these officials, nearly eighty percent of individuals seeking help for depression are women and girls. The medical center sees a daily influx of one hundred patients seeking assistance, with the majority being women. Many patients are provided with psychological counseling, while those with severe conditions are referred to the regional mental hospital in Herat.

Several factors contribute to the rise in mental illness among women in Afghanistan. Economic hardships, coupled with the oppressive rule of the Taliban, have created a bleak outlook for their future. Additionally, an increase in domestic violence against women, along with restrictions on female education and employment, further exacerbate the issue.

One patient, Marjan, shared her struggles with panic attacks and depression, attributing her condition to the ban on her education and the violence she faces in her polygamous marriage. Another mother, Nafas Gul, narrated her daughter’s severe depression, which has led her to stop attending school.

With the return of the Taliban, women in Afghanistan have been stripped of their rights, particularly the right to work and education. Many women in Herat are against recognizing the legitimacy of the Taliban government, calling for improvements in women’s status as a condition for recognition.

Doctors warn that without intervention, the number of individuals suffering from depression, especially in Herat province, will continue to rise. The mental health crisis among Afghan women highlights the urgent need for support and resources to address their mental well-being in the face of challenging circumstances.

This story sheds light on the silent struggles of Afghan women and the urgent need for attention and resources to address their mental health challenges in the midst of a difficult and uncertain environment.