ISLAMABAD: Media plays a pivotal role in creating awareness about mental health issues and addressing them effectively, public health experts, psychiatrists and media professionals said on Friday.
They emphasized that media can help dispel misconceptions and offer solutions to these problems.
Speaking at an international conference on mental health, which concluded on Friday here at a local hotel, public health experts and psychiatrists highlighted the significance of initiatives like the “Mil Kar Aao, Baat Karein” campaign, launched collaboratively by the Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Foundation (MKRF) and the British Asian Trust. The campaign has been yielding promising results in raising awareness about mental health issues in Pakistan, they added.
Former Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza initiated a panel discussion on “Mental Health and Media,” shedding light on the influence of various media platforms, including social media, on public awareness and behavior.
He informed that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of social media in maintaining communication and addressing mental health challenges. “Social media can be effectively utilized to combat mental health issues, but our efforts in this area remain insufficient,” he observed. Dr. Asad Tameezuddin, chairperson of the scientific committee of the organizing committee, stated that the event’s theme, “Mental Health to Global Health,” aimed to bring together stakeholders, particularly media outlets and mental health professionals, to work collectively toward solutions.
President of the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, Professor Ghulam Rasool, stressed the need for media to actively disseminate mental health awareness and help resolve associated issues. He pointed out that while social media has its drawbacks, it also offers tools to alleviate mental health problems through innovative solutions.
Shahrukh Hasan, Managing Director of Jang Media Group, highlighted his organization’s efforts in running campaigns addressing public issues, which have yielded significant positive outcomes. He mentioned the deep connection between mental health and media, noting that media professionals themselves are often affected by mental health challenges.
Shahrukh Hasan shared that the “Mil Kar Aao, Baat Karein” campaign focuses on raising awareness and encouraging dialogue on mental health, a topic he initially knew little about.
“We need to publicize success stories of individuals who have overcome mental health challenges to inspire others and provide hope. Collaboration with experts is crucial to reach out to affected individuals,” he said and called for federal and provincial governments to address the concerning shortage of mental health professionals in Pakistan, where there is only one psychiatrist for every 500,000 people.
Sana Ahmed from the British Asian Trust, joining via video call, shared that the campaign took over a decade of preparation before its launch in October. She emphasized the importance of using appropriate language in mental health reporting, which can reduce stigma and minimize the perceived severity of issues.
“Our goal is to promote positive thinking and encourage open discussions about mental health,” she said.
She also highlighted a recent workshop conducted in collaboration with Jang and Geo News, which produced valuable outcomes in understanding the role of media in mental health advocacy.
Professor Rana from the Pakistan Psychiatric Society called for prioritizing key mental health issues and addressing them through targeted campaigns. He urged collaboration between psychologists and psychiatrists to create effective solutions.
The panel called for media professionals to submit recommendations for inclusion in the National Mental Health Policy. Federal officials have already pledged their support for these initiatives, highlighting the importance of thoughtful language and strategic communication in tackling mental health challenges.
The event also featured contributions from experts such as Murtaza Naqvi, Wajid Ali Akhundzada, and Iqbal Afridi, who shared their recommendations for addressing mental health issues. Dr. Zafar Masood concluded the conference by thanking the participants for their valuable input.