Emphasizing mental health as a “collective responsibility,” experts at the University of Sargodha (UoS) issued a call for community intervention to address the social factors behind suicide and the critical impact of parental psychological health on children”s development during a seminar marking World Mental Health Day 2025.
The event, themed “Working Together for Community Wellbeing,” was organized by the Department of Psychology and Counseling Centre in collaboration with Fountain House Sargodha and Lahore, SOS Children’s Village Sargodha, and MammaCare to promote unified efforts in tackling psychological challenges.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas stated that true community wellness is achievable only when institutions, professionals, and citizens collaborate. He underscored the need for empathy and inclusion, noting that “mental health is not just an individual concern, but a collective responsibility that defines the strength and compassion of a society.”
A panel of speakers delivered talks on various dimensions of psychological health. Speaking via video link, Dr. Tooba Illyas, a psychiatrist with the Royal College of Psychiatry in London, detailed the social and psychological drivers of suicide, advocating for robust community support and early intervention.
Dr. Muhammad Illyas Khan of McConnell University, USA, focused on the profound impact of parents” mental condition on their children, explaining how parental wellness directly influences a child”s mental and physical growth.
Other specialists addressed pressing local concerns. Dr. Khawaja Arshad, an Autism Specialist, spoke on the growing prevalence of autism and the necessity of early diagnosis and parental awareness. Mr. Nadeem Noor from Fountain House Lahore shared how community-based rehabilitation and social support networks can transform the lives of individuals battling mental illnesses.
Prof. Dr. Najma Iqbal, Chairman of the Department of Psychology, expressed gratitude to all attendees and collaborating organizations. She remarked that the objective was to foster understanding and promote active engagement in community mental wellbeing. The seminar also featured an inspiring performance by mentally disabled children from Fountain House.
In addition to the seminar, an awareness walk was conducted to mark the day. Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan led the procession, which saw participation from a large number of faculty members and students aiming to promote mental health consciousness.