Staff Reporter
Leading psychiatrists of the country Saturday on ‘World mental health day’ called for creating awareness among the people to avoid unscientific medical procedures while treating the patients in this regard. Experts urged individuals, families, communities, employers and all stakeholders to join efforts to further strengthen the mental health system in the country.
Executive director Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) Dr Muhammad Ashraf talking to PTV news channel said the World Mental Health Day is commemorated annually on 10 October to raise awareness on mental health, its causes and risk factors.
The day is also used to combat stigma and discrimination against those living with mental disorders, he added.
He called for well-planned public awareness and education campaigns to do away with the stigma and discrimination, increase the use of mental health services, and bring mental and physical health care closer to each other.
He said this year, the topic of mental health has perhaps become the most important one due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the effect it has had on the mental state of humans for the past 9-10 months.
