Make Mental Health for All a Global Priority

World Mental Health Day 2023 is celebrated each year around the globe on October 10. This year the theme set by WHO is ‘Make Mental Health for All a Global Priority.’ Prioritizing mental health is more important than ever post-pandemic. Even though lockdown and restrictions on movement have eased, the issue of mental health is prevalent.

Only within the first year of the pandemic the world saw a 25% rise in those affected by mental health. The statistics are staggering, and the WHO predicts that by 2030, depression will be the leading cause of illness worldwide if measures are not taken now. In Pakistan, it is estimated that 24 million need psychiatric assistance, and with only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, we have one of the lowest doctor-patient ratios in the world.

The prevalence of mental health issues in adolescents and children in Pakistan is much higher than in global statistics. Presently it stands around

Pehchaan Clinic in Islamabad works to provide essential mental health services to children and adults while also improving the quality of mental health in Pakistan. They recently celebrated their third anniversary and discussed the importance of mental health services for adults, the elderly, and children in Pakistan.

Celebrating World Mental Health Day

Marking the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023 is crucial for awareness raising and a great way to bring mental health professionals together on one platform to discuss important issues. This year Pehchaan invited several mental health professionals to touch upon various crucial mental health topics.

The event was briefly introduced by the clinic’s founder, Ms. Tahira Javaid. She welcomed everyone who was presenting and attending the event. She encouraged everyone present to share their suggestions and insights after the event, as she believes collaboration and learning are vital to making a difference in the community.

Dr. Ali Raza, the clinic Director, talked about Pehchaan’s journey and how it has progressed and grown in the last three years. This introduction was followed by speeches from staff members on the different therapies Pehchaan offers.

Guest speakers included:

• Yasser Masood, a Paediatrician, talked about children and mental health issues.
• Nousheen Kazmi talked about how often Autism is diagnosed too early and how we must take a more holistic approach.
• Mehboob Yaqoob- talked about general health issues in adults.
• Asad Tamizuddin- talked about mental health policy in Pakistan and what the government is doing to promote mental health.
• Abid Malik- focused on many mental health issues that elderly patients face.

After all of the guest speakers talked. It was time for the Shield and Certificate distribution for the staff of Pehchaan Clinic. Ms. Tahira Javaid’s parents were honored to pass out the certificates to the deserving staff members. Their pictures were taken with Dr. Asad Tamizuddin and Dr. Ali Raza.

How Can You Remove the Stigma Around Mental Health?

The main aim of World Mental Health Day, celebrated by the WHO each year, is to remove the shame around mental health issues. There are many ways, as community members, family members, parents, siblings, and friends, that you can help with doing that.

Promotes World Mental Health Day 2023

One of the most important aspects of World Mental Health Day 2023 is to start productive conversations around mental health. Pehchaan believes in a day when no one will feel shame or apprehension in seeking help.

If you or your loved ones want to learn more about mental health issues and the different interventions Pehchaan offers, visit our website and contact us for more information. Our YouTube site has important videos about mental health issues and what you can do to address them.