No-one comes for us: The women trapped in Afghanistan's mental health system

By [Author name]

It’s been more than a month since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, and the country is still in upheaval. The crisis has had a significant impact on the mental health of many Afghans, but women are especially hard hit. They are isolated, afraid, and struggling to access care amid a crumbling health system. And with the Taliban's history of suppressing women's rights, their mental health is only likely to deteriorate further.

The overlooked crisis

Mental health issues in Afghanistan were already widespread before August. In 2018, over 600,000 people suffered from depression, and over 1,000,000 Afghans suffered from anxiety disorders. Since the Taliban takeover and subsequent collapse of the government, these conditions have only increased. The UN Secretary-General stated that the country is facing a “looming mental health crisis”.

Women suffer disproportionately. They are excluded from the new government, and with many males absent - killed, imprisoned, or having fled the country - the burden of responsibility for earning and caring for the family has fallen on their shoulders. Restrictions on mobility and a lack of resources and employment mean that women are isolated and unable to seek help or provide for their families.

A failing system

Before the Taliban took power, Afghanistan had a robust mental health care system. There were over 30 mental health hospitals and clinics across the country, some of which offered services free of charge. Since the takeover, however, this infrastructure has begun to collapse. Staff members, especially women, have fled or been forced from their jobs, and many facilities have closed.

Those that still operate are struggling to provide care. They lack supplies and an adequate workforce, and patients are frequently turned away. The Taliban's restrictions on women, along with the general chaos and uncertainty, are making it nearly impossible for many women to seek help, even in emergencies.

Looking forward

The mental health crisis in Afghanistan is likely to worsen in the coming months and years. With the Taliban in power, it is difficult to foresee a future where women can live safely and freely, and without the ability to seek help or treatment for their mental health needs.