Seminar on mental health

Experts call for joint efforts to overcome situation

By Mahboob Ali Yousafzai

MINGORA: The experts at a two-day seminar on mental health stressed the need for joint efforts to overcome the situation.

The seminar was organised by the Department of Psychological Studies, Main Campus and Women’s Campus, University of Swat.

A series of seminars were arranged with the theme: “Suicidal Tendencies Among Youth: Signs, Causes and Prevention.”

Addressing the seminar, Dr Nizam Ali, head of Psychiatry Ward, Saidu Central Hospital, said that suicide rate was higher in Malakand division compared to other parts of the province. He said that an inactive lifestyle was harmful to psychological health.

Prof Dr Qaiser Ali, chairman, Department of Civil Engineering at UET, Peshawar, delivered a lecture explaining the spiritual dimension of depression, suicide and other psychological issues.

He said unfavourable conditions like failures, unemployment, and poverty were the causes of depression, which further lead to suicidal thoughts.

“Suicide rate is higher in countries like Sweden and Japan, which are financially stable countries and welfare states but the majority of people end up their lives because they lack the real happiness,” he said, adding that people in the West did not face such problems which people in Muslim countries were facing.

He said that Islam was a source of real happiness, which provided peace of mind to its followers.

Prof Dr Javed Iqbal talked about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

He said that positive thinking, taking good nutrition, regular exercise, and a balanced diet were integral components required for mental health.

“The main reason for stress and depression is negative thinking. Faith and belief system can act as a buffer against depression and other psychological issues,” he added. The varsity students participated in the questions-answers sessions. Various skits, drawings and charts were presented by the students of women campus.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Jamal Khan said collective efforts were needed for helping the people suffering from severe psychological problems.