Experts at a panel discussion have issued an urgent call for mental health to be integrated into national and international disaster management frameworks, highlighting the severe psychological toll of catastrophes such as climate change, armed conflicts, and forced migration on communities.
The critical dialogue, titled ‘Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ was organized by the Department of Psychology at the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI), as a key event during its Mental Health Week, according to IIUI information today. The session was designed to explore the psychological consequences of crises and promote the vital role of mental health professionals in building resilience.
Speakers at the symposium delved into the multifaceted psychological challenges faced by individuals during emergencies. They underscored the profound emotional distress experienced by those affected, including grief from loss, separation anxiety, and identity crises, particularly among refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) whose trauma often lingers long after the initial event.
The panel also examined the strain that such events place on family systems, noting how financial instability and emotional turmoil can severely impact parental stress and couple relationships. Participants advocated for family-centered interventions and trauma-informed counseling to help restore stability and hope within households.
An Islamic perspective was incorporated into the conversation, with speakers observing that principles of mercy, patience (?abr), and social solidarity are essential for fostering emotional balance and resilience during times of hardship. These teachings, they noted, provide a foundation for mutual care within communities.
Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, connected the issue to global humanitarian efforts. He stressed the importance of international cooperation and diplomacy in addressing the psychological needs in war-torn and disaster-affected regions, calling for cross-border partnerships to make mental health a core part of reconstruction policies.
In a particularly timely observation, Dr. Ruksana Tariq, Student Advisor for the Female Campus, pointed out the growing connection between climate change, environmental degradation, and mental wellness. She urged for greater interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle the psychosocial dimensions of environmental crises.
The event, which was attended by IIUI President Prof. Dr. Ahmed Saad Alahmed, concluded with a strong consensus. The assembled academics and practitioners agreed that psychological support must be a non-negotiable component of disaster response, urging emerging psychologists to actively engage in research, advocacy, and interventions that promote healing and peacebuilding.