KU Hosts Panel On Mental Health

KARACHI: Under the canopy of the Centre for Health and Wellbeing (CHWB), the University of Karachi (KU) recently organized a panel discussion on ‘Let’s Talk: About What’s Bothering You’ at the Arts Auditorium.

The CHWB arranged the event to promote mental health awareness through communicating, bridging the gaps, confidently bringing the miseries to the table, and talking about solutions.  

The panel discussion encourages wellness and its importance and emphasizes that good mental health is necessary for a better society. The panel experts included Prof. Dr Tipu Sultan, the Chancellor of Malir University, Prof. Dr Iqbal Afridi, renowned psychiatrist, Prof. Dr Shazia Shakoor of Bahria University, Dr Tanveer Abbas, the Chairman of the Department of Microbiology at KU, and Prof. Dr Farah Iqbal, Director of CHWB. Prof. Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, the Vice-Chancellor of KU, chaired the event.  

The panellists focus on what is bothering the brains, myths, facts, and science. They also talked about mental health, illness risk, behavioural changes, emotions, traumas, depression, stressors, and therapeutic effects.  

Dr Iqbal Afridi said that mental health means complete physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. He observed that, unfortunately, mental health is only attributed to mental disorders in our society, whereas it is a deep subject related to every one of us.

“A mentally healthy person knows how to play an active role in society. Good social relationships play an important role in preventing mental illness. Without mental health, the concept of health is not possible. Only a stable mind can fully realize its potential, deal with the worries of life and play its role in the welfare of the country and the nation.”

Meanwhile, Dr Khalid said that mental illness is increasing worldwide, including in Pakistan, mainly due to insecurity, poverty, violence, terrorism, economic problems, political instability, unemployment, and gender discrimination.

“We at the University of Karachi want to be a model as extensively opted internationally, that endorsed the idea of healthy universities/campuses. A healthy university that aspires to create a learning environment and organizational culture that enhances its community’s health, well-being, and sustainability and enables people to achieve their full potential.”, said the VC.

He shared that the psychology department has a vital role in countering the growing number of mental illnesses in society. He stressed that we need to think about living a healthy life instead of wanting to live longer.

“Only a healthy mind is the guarantor of a healthy society. Due to the current economic situation of the country and rising inflation, the number of complaints of depression in Pakistani society is increasing rapidly.” he proclaimed.

“We need to listen to the opinions of others, tolerate and value them, which will help us in establishing a healthy society.” said Dr Tipu. He emphasized that one should not hesitate to consult others to solve one’s problems, as only mutual consultation can solve problems

Dr Farah, discussed the importance of seminars and workshops on mental health and well-being and said that the CHWB aims to serve uniquely with kindness and harmony.  

The event coordinator, Dr Sadaf Ahmed, shared details about how this centre endeavours to nurture, transform and foster a collaborative approach for the individuals.

Shamoon Noushad, the Director of the Quality Enhance Cell at Malir University, talked about the therapeutic effects of expressing emotions. At the same time, Dr Faizan Mirza of KU informed the audience about the positive and negative effects of our emotions on our bodies.