KU raises awareness on mental health issues

KARACHI: The Panjwani Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) at the University of Karachi (KU) and Virtual Education Project Pakistan (VEPP) jointly organised the 42nd public awareness seminar on 'Common Mental Health Problems: An awareness about causes, symptoms and treatment approaches' on Friday.

Mental health issues have become a serious public health threat. Depression is the primary cause of disability and ill health worldwide.

This was stated by KU Institute of Clinical Psychology Director Dr Uzma Ali while delivering her lecture. Depression is more common among women, she said, adding that one's socialisation plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of mental disorders.

Dr Ali said that the World Health Organisation defined mental health as a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to their community.



She said that mental health professionals should focus on well-being and public mental health.

She said that people have the potential to develop mental health problems, no matter how old they are, whether they are male or female, rich or poor.

Depression also causes physical health problems, including hypertension and heart disease, she said, adding that anxiety disorders are the most common types of mental illness, in which the patient has a severe fear or anxiety, which is linked to certain objects or situations.