Officials expressed concern that the majority of patients suffering from mental health issues did not go to doctors and continued suffering from this problem, report Pajhwok Afghan News.

Dr. Ahmad Zahir Yar, head of the Nangarhar Zonal Hospital’s Psychological Department, told the news agency the number of mental illnesses has surged in the province.

Addressing a gathering marking the International Mental Health Day, he said mostly women suffered from psychological problems as they faced social and family violence.

He said these patients avoided check up from physicians due to economic hardship or cultural restrictions.

Nangarhar Health Department Director Abdul Rahman Fateh told Pajhwok Afghan News they marked the day to create awareness about mental health.

He said facilities for the treatment of mental patients were provided in Zonal Hospital as well as in district hospitals.