Conference on mental health: Keeping check on sanity, in a society bewildered by violence

Speakers underscore need to invest in psychological counselling, research.

ISLAMABAD:

Where billions of rupees are being spent on post-distress management, if a portion of the amount is invested on psychological counselling, the society will undoubtedly reap more benefits.

Pakistan Psychology Association (PPA) President Riaz Fatiana stated this at an international conference on mental health held at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) on Monday. At the event, around 111 scholars presented their research papers on psychology and mental health.

The prevailing terrorism and extremism in the country is the cause, as well as the result, of violence and psychological trauma in the society, said Fatiana, who is also the chairperson of National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights. “It is the mounting frustrations that motivate people to go against the national interests; a phenomenon that is increasing day by day,” he said.

The PPA president urged for setting up psychological counselling and trauma centres to treat the frustrated people.

“There is a need to prevent them from adopting  destructive and violent ways to vent out their annoyances,” said Fatiana. He invited students to become member of PPA and conduct research towards resolving psychological issues prevalent in the society.

IIUI Faculty of Social Sciences’ Dean Dr Nabi Bux Jumani proposed that the government should appoint at least one psychiatrist in every district across the country. Citing the most prevalent anxiety disorders among the people —  the panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and mood disorders — Jumani said such issues not only affect a person’s mental health, but also their relationships, routine and even physical health.

IIUI’s Dr Tahir Khalil said, “Violence and aggression is a complex phenomenon in our society, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The earthquake and flood-affected people are more prone to such disorders.”

He lauded the efforts of the organisers and underscored the need to hold such events. He said that conferences on these subjects (psychology and mental health) provide opportunities to academics, researchers and practitioners to promote research and are a means to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 3^rd, 2012.