Karachi: “Mental health should be given as much importance as physical health.

A healthy mind is necessary to have a healthy body, which means that a strong mentality is the cornerstone of a robust body", said Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-chancellor of Ziauddin University.

She was addressing as a keynote speaker at the 21st interactive series of ZU Dialogues, titled “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”, organized by the College of Clinical Psychology, Ziauddin University.

The main objectives of the dialogue session were to reduce stigma around mental health issues, put mental health first, make it available to everyone, and raise public awareness of the importance of mental health. During this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Nida emphasized the need to de-stigmatize mental health conditions and accept the consequences that those who are struggling with mental health issues and their loving families must bear.

Talking in the dialogue session, the experts emphasized how important it is to seek advice from knowledgeable experts, acknowledging that, in some parts of the world, the stigma associated with mental illness still poses a major obstacle to getting help. Whereas, parents avoid mental health education for their kids because of social pressures and a fear of facing mental health issues.

The distinguished experts included Prof. Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Chairperson, Department of Psychology, University of Karachi; Dr. Uzma Ali, Director, Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi; Dr. Ibrahim Yousuf, Pediatric Consultant, Member of Royal Society of Health (LONDON); Dr. Imran Yousuf, Mental Health Psychologist, Motivational Speaker, Master Instructor Clinical Hypnotherapy; Dr. Chooni Lal, Head of Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, JPMC; Aftab Shah, Faculty Member, Faculty of Law, Politics & Governance, Ziauddin University, offered their insightful perspectives on the urgent necessity for people to recognize the fundamental importance of mental health on a personal and societal level in the ZU Dialogue session

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 27 2023

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