World Mental Health Day observed: Growth linked to stress-free life

LAHORE:In order to create a healthy society, economic development and peaceful life, physical health as well as mental safety is inevitable and it is indispensable to get a stress-free life.

Therefore, mental problems should also be given priority while it is very important to control envy, malice, greed and anger to live a better healthy life with a fit body and mind, as well. We should learn to forgive and make life easier because a healthy mind is a guarantee to a peaceful life.

These views were expressed by the Principal of Post Graduate Medical Institute Prof Al-Fareed Zafar while talking to the participants in the awareness walk organised on the occasion of World Mental Health Day under the auspices of the Department of Psychiatry of Lahore General Hospital. HoD Dr Faiza Athar, MS Dr Faryad Hussain, Shehnaz Dar, Dr Abdul Aziz, Dr Maqsood, Dr Bushra, Dr Alina, Dr Asma, Dr Shahroz, Dr Rafia, including nurses, nursing students and health professionals were present in the walk. On this occasion, pigeons were also freed in the air while doctors distributed various awareness pamphlets on the topic of ‘Mental health treatment only by Psychiatrists’. Dr Faiza Athar, HoD Psychiatry, said that the purpose of celebrating World Mental Health Day was to make people aware of the need, benefits, harms of mental health and its prevention and other measures to make these aspects better.

Talking to the media, Prof Al-Fareed Zafar highlighted that millions of people around the globe, including Pakistan, are suffering from mental disorders and this number is constantly increasing which is a cause of great concern. He said that the current social problems, corruption and poverty are increasing the rate of mental stress, depression and anxiety among the youth as well for which we all have to play our positive role. He further said that an awareness campaign about mental health is the most important need of the hour and in this regard a Counselling Centre has also been established in the LGH where people are benefiting from the best services. He underscored that parents and teachers should create a friendly environment for the youth and be well aware of their problems, while living on Islamic principles we can get rid of mental problems. With qualified psychologists, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications so young people should actively participate in as much physical activity as possible, Prof Al Farid Zafar concluded. MS Dr Faryad Hussain said that along with physical health, mental order is also very important because people suffering from such illnesses cannot be healthy and physically fit until they address mental problems.