KARACHI, Oct 6: Mind and body has direct relationship as unrest in mind affects physical health of a person. This was observed by Dr Unaiza Niaz, consultant psychiatrist & psychotherapist, and a senior lecturer at the Aga Khan University Hospital, while speaking at a seminar on Recognizing the Inter-dependence of Mental and Physical Health organized by the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), in connection with the World Mental Healthy Day, at its Vicky Zeitlin Media Library here on Thursday.

She told the audience that volatile social climate, political unrest, violence, unemployment (economic instability), lack of government support in providing healthcare and education facilities to masses at large, injustices and absence of accountability of teachers, doctors, judiciary, etc., could be identified as major factors contributing to mental stress in Pakistan. However, she noted, the government had taken steps towards accountability of judiciary which would have a positive impact on the whole society.

Stress breaks down natural defence mechanism and such a patient becomes vulnerable to physical diseases like cancer, cardiac problems, blood pressure, breast cancer in women, arthritis, asthma, etc., which appeared common in the local population. She estimated that about 40 per cent of Pakistanis suffered from depression.

Internal stress is caused by materialism, ambitiousness and jealousy. Basic human values including honesty, discipline, faith in God, hard work should be given proper regard, because these qualities prevail all over the world. Media should also promote a positive image of the society and create awareness in masses about stress and its impact on mental and physical health.

Dr Niaz was of the view that parenting should be made stronger and children, especially those having experienced wars and conflicts, must get much care. The principles of unity, faith and discipline can play a vital role to bring down stress, Dr. Unaiza maintained.

Dr Rukhsana Sattar, an associate professor of medicine at the JPMC, emphasized the need for a stronger doctor-patient relationship through communication skills.

“Islam teaches us the best to address all types of mental and physical problems and doctors should also improve their skills in communicating proper information and recommending a prescription for patients,” she suggested.

In our society, psychiatry disease is still considered as taboo and people do not like to be identified as a psychiatric patient. Doctors should give time to patients and tell them about benefits and duration of therapy. Awareness of mental illnesses in this society is very low. She suggested that problems of a patient must be evaluated first to ascertain his other physical problems in order to start treating him for psychiatric problems. She stressed that the other physical problems should not be ignored.

Syed Kamran Sultan, a trainer and Instructor of Hypnosis, Usui, Kundalini and Reiki methods of treatment, discussed Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) for treatment of patients suffering from mental problems.

He said that the NLP was the first technology that recognized in ’70s that the ‘mind and body’ was one system. Major reason of all problems, especially those relating to mind, is keeping away from spirituality. Behaviour of a person should not be made his/her identity, he said.

He emphasized that a positive approach towards day to day matters should be adopted and this should be practised in all affairs of life to avoid stress leading to mental and physical problems.

Earlier, in her welcome remarks, PPF Director Samina Ishaq told the participants that the theme of the World Mental Health Day this year was Mental and Physical Health Across the Life Span.—PPI