Haripur: The Department of Psychology’s Centre of Counselling and Social Wellbeing at the University of Haripur has launched a series of activities to commemorate World Mental Health Month, emphasizing the critical importance of mental well-being in the workplace. The month-long initiative began yesterday, focusing on enhancing awareness and providing support within the university community.
According to The University of Haripur, the event was inaugurated by Dr. Ammara Gul, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Administrative Sciences, and led by Madam Saira Bano, Director of Counselling and Social Wellbeing. The theme, inspired by the World Health Organization, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health at the Workplace,” aims to address both psychosocial and spiritual well-being.
Dr. Gul stressed the necessity of equating mental health importance with physical health and advocated for creating an environment conducive to open discussions and stigma reduction. The opening day featured an awareness walk starting from the Central Library, involving a significant turnout of students, staff, and faculty. Participants displayed banners and chanted slogans to spread the message across campus, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive mental health culture.
Additionally, the Centre of Counselling and Social Wellbeing set up stalls offering on-the-spot counselling services. These stalls provided a vital resource for immediate advice, engaging with professional counsellors, and accessing mental health materials aimed at sustaining well-being.
The comprehensive approach taken by the Department of Psychology has been well-received, reinforcing the ongoing need for robust mental health support systems, particularly in educational institutions.