I've been struggling with my mental health for years, and lately things have become increasingly difficult.

I've experienced severe panic attacks for years and struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness and feeling hopeless. My mother's death, family conflicts and everything happening at home have affected me deeply.

I want to see a therapist or mental health professional, but my family doesn't take mental health seriously. They consider it unnecessary or dramatic, and I don't have the financial independence or freedom to arrange professional help myself.

I also have one close online friend who motivates me, but she has her own mental health struggles. I hide most of my problems because I don't want to burden her.

How can I access affordable or free professional mental health support in Pakistan without depending on family members who don't understand these issues? And how can I start dealing with everything I've been carrying for so long?

Question

I've been struggling with my mental health for years, and lately things have become increasingly difficult.

I've experienced severe panic attacks for years and struggle with anxiety, depression, loneliness and feeling hopeless. My mother's death, family conflicts and everything happening at home have affected me deeply.

I want to see a therapist or mental health professional, but my family doesn't take mental health seriously. They consider it unnecessary or dramatic, and I don't have the financial independence or freedom to arrange professional help myself.

I also have one close online friend who motivates me, but she has her own mental health struggles. I hide most of my problems because I don't want to burden her.

How can I access affordable or free professional mental health support in Pakistan without depending on family members who don't understand these issues? And how can I start dealing with everything I've been carrying for so long?

Anonymous Practitioner · Accepted Answer

bro remember uv got this ur not alone and defo not dramatic. Some families are just like that. Iv been there.. Journal, write, talk to ur friend, sometimes it helps when they know they're not alone in these mental health struggles. here's what I got when I searched this up - 
24/7 Free Helplines

• Umang Mental Health Helpline: Call 0311-7786264 or +92 311 7786 264 (or WhatsApp support available at shift numbers). Umang provides 24/7, anonymous mental health support staffed by clinical psychologists and trained counselors.
• Tele-Tabeeb 1123: Call 1123 for a 24/7 free-of-cost mental health support line run in collaboration with JDC Foundation, connecting callers with trained doctors and therapists.
• Rozan Counselling Helpline: Call toll-free at 0800-22444 or 0304-111-1741 for confidential and anonymous psychosocial counseling (check Rozan for active hours).
• National Youth Helpline: Call 0800-69457 (run by the Higher Education Commission with UNFPA) for free, confidential mental health and youth-focused psychosocial support.
• Ministry of Human Rights Helpline: Call 1099 for free legal and emotional/crisis support.
• Rescue 1122: Call 1122 immediately if you or someone you know is in severe, life-threatening danger or an emergency.

Global & Online Anonymous Options

• 7 Cups: Access free 24/7 anonymous online chat with trained volunteer listeners via 7 Cups.
• Find a Helpline: Find international and regional confidential peer services at Find a Helpline.