LCWU establishes online counselling centre

Dramatic increase in the number of people affected by pandemic has built up stress in the populace

The Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) in a joint venture with the International Young Psychologists Society initiated online counselling on Monday to provide psychological support during the current lockdown which is taking a toll on the mental health of people.

In the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic which has limited movement and access to mental healthcare, the project aims to help those in need at a small scale, free of cost, during the first stage.

The exponential increase in the number of Covid-19 patients across the country is creating immense psychological pressure and imbalance in the community. Thus, the main target of the project is the general public who are going through stress and mental health issues.

The project will offer coronavirus consultation with respect to its spread and necessary precautions as well as counselling of quarantined patients and their caregivers.



Primarily the consultation would focus on dealing with stress, anxiety and depression, bereavement counselling to families, and health tips to boost immunity.

LCWU Vice-Chancellor and Project Patron In-Chief Dr Bushra Mirza said, ''By counselling the patients with regard to coronavirus, we will outcast anxiety and help those who are helpless.”

She said she expected the project to bring positivity in people's lives. “This project can help people achieve a sense of self-actualisation and serenity in their lives. On both ends, the community will grow and flourish.”

LCWU Active Citizen Programme Head Dr Amina Muazzam said that in the online counselling project young psychologists will be assigned to certain individuals who require therapy or counselling for relief and relaxation.

For an appointment, individuals can contact via text or call on 03334389205 and 03094749552. They can also contact through Whatsapp on 03004478219 or 0096560919007 between 10am and 2pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2020.