The Role of Traditional Healing Practices in Pakistani Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective

The Role of Traditional Healing Practices in Pakistani Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective

Authors

  • Muhammad Adil MPhil Psychology Scholar, Islamia College, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Noureen Bibi Clinical Psychologist, Foundation University School of Science & Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Javeria Ilahi Clinical Psychologist, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Muhammad Asif PhD Scholar, Federal University of Arts, Sciences & Technology, Karachi Campus, Pakistan
  • Akhtar Zaman Psychology PhD Scholar, University of Karachi, Pakistan
  • Nusrat Jabeen Psychologist at Benazir Shaheed Hospital Model Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Center, Anti Narcotic Force, Manghopir, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59075/jssa.v3i1.168

Keywords:

Mental health care, Pakistan, cultural sensitivity, community-based interventions, traditional healing, tele-psychiatry, stigma reduction.

Abstract

Background: The Pakistan mental health care system is outdated and inefficient. It is marked with stigma, cultural barriers, and limited access to professional help. A mix of traditional and modern healing methods is used, which seriously affects the management of mental illness in the society. All of these factors need to be understood to ensure proper delivery of mental health services.

Aim: This study focuses on examining the obstacles, emerging opportunities, and the shifts in the mechanisms of mental health care delivery in Pakistan with particular attention to the incorporation of traditional methods of medicine and family and community participation to enhance the effectiveness of care.

Method: A review of literature on the mental health care of Pakistan was done to include studies conducted at the community level, systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and experimental interventions. The data was accumulated from multiple sources which included focus groups, semi structured interviews, surveys, and literature reviews.

Results: The most important conclusions are that culture changes, stigma, and community participation are the most important factors that increase access to mental health care. Newer concepts like tele-psychiatry and mental health services using mobile applications hold promise for addressing some of the gaps in service delivery. Further, the use of traditional medicine along with modern treatments increases patient participation and improves health outcomes.

Conclusion: The use of culture-conscious, community-focused, and tech-centered approaches can drastically improve the quality of mental health care provided in Pakistan. Adapting and combining the existing practices with modern treatments, increasing the literacy rates concerning mental health as well as the stigma surrounding it can improve accessibility and outcomes substantially. These conclusions pinpoint the necessity of well-rounded policies and approaches that mitigate both social and administrative obstacles to mental healthcare.

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Published

2025-02-24

How to Cite

Muhammad Adil, Noureen Bibi, Javeria Ilahi, Muhammad Asif, Akhtar Zaman, & Nusrat Jabeen. (2025). The Role of Traditional Healing Practices in Pakistani Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective. Journal for Social Science Archives, 3(1), 863–877. https://doi.org/10.59075/jssa.v3i1.168
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