Speakers at a national conference held at the University of Sindh on Friday emphasized the growing importance of mental health awareness and community wellbeing urging stronger research-based interventions and collaborative efforts to address emerging psychological challenges in Pakistan.

The conference organized by the Department of Psychology, University of Sindh in collaboration with the 16th International Conference of the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA) was held under the theme “Challenges, Issues and Opportunities of Mental Wellbeing of Community in the New Era.”

The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which Dr Lubna Soomro welcomed keynote speakers, psychologists, mental health professionals and students.

Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr Nanik Ram appreciated the initiative and said that such academic gatherings played a crucial role in bringing mental health issues into public discourse. He said that universities must not only produce research but also translate knowledge into community outreach programmes that might help people cope with stress, social pressures and changing lifestyles. He added that strengthening mental health literacy at the community level could reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek timely professional help.

Underlining the role of women in strengthening communities, keynote speaker Professor Dr Farah Iqbal said that empowering women through education and equal opportunities could significantly enhance social progress and collective wellbeing. She observed that women often served as emotional anchors within families and communities and investing in their mental health, leadership and economic participation could create more resilient and balanced societies. She also stressed the need for policies that support women’s psychological wellbeing in workplaces and households.

President of the Pakistan Psychological Association and chairperson of the Psychology Department at the University of the Punjab, Lahore Professor Dr Rafia Rafiq stressed that community wellbeing was fundamental to building a healthy and progressive society. She said well-being extended beyond physical health to include psychological, emotional and social dimensions. She further emphasized the need to integrate mental health awareness into education systems and public policy, adding that societies that prioritize empathy, social support and emotional intelligence are better equipped to deal with social conflicts and crises.

Another keynote speaker Professor Dr Mehmood Mughal of Isra University Hyderabad spoke about the wellbeing of young people in an increasingly digital world. While digital technologies offered opportunities for learning and connectivity, he said excessive screen use could negatively affect mental, emotional and social health, leading to issues such as screen addiction, reduced physical activity and sleep disturbances. He stressed the importance of digital balance, urging parents, educators and policymakers to promote responsible technology use and encourage outdoor activities, interpersonal interaction and creative engagement among youth.

Chief operating officer for research and development at PILLS Prof Dr Zainab highlighted the wellbeing challenges faced by mental health professionals and said that constant exposure to trauma and psychological distress could lead to burnout, compassion fatigue and work-life imbalance. She noted that institutions must develop support systems, peer supervision and self-care mechanisms for psychologists and therapists so that they can sustain their professional effectiveness while safeguarding their own wellbeing.

Director of Institute of Clinical Psychology (ICP) at Karachi University Professor Dr Sobia Aftab also stressed the importance of maintaining the wellbeing of psychologists and clinical practitioners. She said their own mental and emotional health was vital for providing effective care and maintaining ethical standards in mental health services. She emphasized the need for regular professional training, reflective practices and institutional support to help practitioners manage the emotional demands of clinical work while ensuring high-quality mental health care for the community.

Chairperson Department of Psychology Dr Muniza Malik highlighted the importance of mental wellbeing for individuals and communities and said that psychological resilience was essential for sustainable development and social harmony. She said community wellbeing encompassed physical, psychological and social health and could be strengthened through collective efforts, mutual support and inclusive practices.

The conference concluded with Dr Shahana presenting the vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of guests, organizers and participants.