Karachi, 12 Oct 2023: In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) conducted an array of activities in Karachi aimed at elevating awareness and imparting knowledge regarding mental health as a fundamental human right, as noted in a press release from IHHN. Initiatives included a Mental Health Awareness walk at the Korangi campus, involving IHHN employees, patients, and their families, and an instructive session conducted at Bayview High School, addressing the importance of mental health among O-Level students.
The commemorative walk saw the active participation of individuals from the Cochlear Implant, Psychosocial, and Physical Rehabilitation departments, including patients grappling with psychological issues. IHHN psychologists Humaira Kaleem, Asma Naheed, Kehkashan, and Ms. Palwasha, along with their respective teams, facilitated the walk, advocating the promotion and safeguarding of mental health. Notably in attendance and advocating for the cause were Dr. Ashar Alam, Dr. Asif Ali Arain, Dr. Imran Iftikhar, Dr. Sohail Asghar, and Dr. Fareeduddin.
An outreach to the younger population, in particular, was seen as Ms. Humaira engaged with O-Level students at Bayview High School, providing a session that shed light on critical aspects of mental health, including distinguishing between good and bad mental health indicators, recognizing them, and understanding when to seek professional help. Self-care tips to foster mental health were also shared. The students not only found the session to be interactive and enlightening but also undertook a fund-raising effort, subsequently donating to IHHN.
The endeavors by IHHN on World Mental Health Day underscore the pivotal message that mental well-being is of paramount importance, aligning with physical health, and when emotional and psychological health appears to be in jeopardy, seeking help from a qualified counselor or psychologist is imperative.