Islamabad - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Depending on the season there are outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever. - Oct 2023
In my opinion, COVID really destroyed morale and caused significant stress and anxiety among the Embassy population. For approximately the first year of the pandemic, and for a few months after we finally got vaccines, the community had, in my opinion, absolutely cruel restrictions, including a complete prohibition on having guests or household help in your home, or socializing with anyone other than another USDH employee. Morale really seemed to bottom out and many members of the community found it difficult to maintain their mental health and comply with the restrictions. It seemed this resulted in many being subject to what seemed to be unnecessarily harsh disciplinary measures. It was bad. Things have improved with some leadership changes. In general, officers who make it a point to get out and make local friends (which was easier and more rewarding in Islamabad than at any of my other posts) tend to be happier overall. - Jun 2022
If morale is low at post, it effects everyone. - Feb 2019
This is a high-stress post. - Jan 2017
