'It's okay not to be okay': Saba Qamar urges open conversations on mental health

Actor shares personal reflections, encourages Pakistanis to talk and listen during World Mental Health Month

KARACHI:

Pakistani actor Saba Qamar has urged people to speak honestly about their mental well-being, saying that "mental health is just as important as physical health".

In a heartfelt video message shared on Instagram, she launched a mental health awareness campaign to mark World Mental Health Month.

The Kamli and Baaghi star, who also serves as UNICEF Pakistan's National Ambassador for Child Rights and Girls' Empowerment, spoke candidly about her own struggles and the lessons she learned along the way.

"Like everyone, I've had my own struggles too. There have been days when things felt heavy, when I didn't know who to talk to," she said, adding that seeking help and honest communication had played a vital role in her healing.

In her message, Saba stressed that acknowledging emotional struggles should not be seen as a sign of weakness. "We don't talk about mental health enough, and when we do, it's often whispered as if it's something to hide. But it's not," she said.

"Talking about it is a sign of strength, not weakness," the actor said, encouraging her followers to share routines, thoughts, or people that help them through difficult days.

Saba shared practical advice drawn from her own experience, urging people to reach out for support, explore available help, and adopt small, grounding habits. "Praying, journaling, reading, exercising, painting — even listening to music — these little habits keep me calm and centred," she said, emphasising that self-care and consistency make a difference.

Saba also called upon teachers, parents, and mentors to be attentive to children's emotions. "Sometimes, just listening to a child or validating their feelings can make the biggest difference," she noted.

She linked her mental health message with her advocacy for child rights through UNICEF, reiterating her commitment to ensuring every child's right to grow up in a supportive environment.

In an earlier post this month marking one year of her UNICEF ambassadorship, Saba reflected on meeting young girls whose courage and aspirations inspired her. "Each one reminds me why education and opportunity are every girl's right, not a privilege."

As part of her ongoing advocacy, Saba Qamar's campaign reinforces a simple but powerful reminder — that healing begins with honesty and empathy. "Let's keep talking, let's keep listening, and let's keep reminding each other it's okay not to be okay," she said.