Depression in Pakistan: Breaking the Silence on a Silent Epidemic In Pakistan, beneath the bustling streets and vibrant cultural tapestry, a silent epidemic is quietly, yet profoundly, impacting millions: depression . Often shrouded in misunderstanding, stigma, and a lack of adequate resources, mental health challenges, particularly depression, are a pressing public health concern that demands urgent attention. The Staggering Reality The numbers paint a stark picture. Studies suggest that the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adults in Pakistan can range from 30% to as high as 60% in certain populations. This means that for every family in Pakistan, it's highly likely that at least one individual is silently grappling with mental health issues. While global estimates suggest 1 in 4 people will experience a mental illness, Pakistan's unique socio-economic and cultural factors often amplify these figures. Beyond Sadness: Understanding Depression's True Face It...
It's excellent that your child is using gestures! This shows an understanding of communication and an intent to interact, which are crucial precursors to spoken language. A speech therapist will capitalize on these existing strengths to help your child bridge the gap from gestures to words. Here are common speech therapy techniques and strategies an SLP would use, and that you can incorporate at home, for a child who primarily uses single sounds but communicates with gestures: I. Building on Existing Communication (Gestures): Pairing Gestures with Words (Modeling and Labeling): "Translate" gestures: When your child points to something, immediately say the word for it. For example, if they point to a cup, you say, "Cup!" or "You want cup." Model the word with the gesture: When you want something, gesture and say the word. "Mommy wants 'more' (with a 'more' gesture)." Expand on gestures: If your child uses a gesture, add a w...