HYDERABAD: Speakers highlighted public well-being as integral part of the nation’s growth and urge support to the youth in nation building.

They were speaking at the Fourteenth Inter-national Cognitive Beha-vior Therapy Conference & Well-being Symposium held on Friday in Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS).

Speaking at its inaugural session, LUMHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ikram Din Ujjan said the feelings of well-being were fundamental to the overall health of an individual, which enabled them to successfully overcome difficulties and achieve what they wanted in life. The public well-being was integral to the growth of the nation that required support, encouragement and protection to the youth.

He said LUMHS had established a center for psychosocial and academic well-being that would be vital in ensuring youth of that varsity to access the highest quality support, counselling, mentoring and mental health services.

LUMHS Medicine & Allied Sciences Dean Prof Moin Ahmad Ansari said: “Today we embark on a journey of exploration, collaboration and innovation in the realm of cognitive therapy.”

He said that cognitive therapy was not merely a profession, but it was a beacon of hope for millions of people worldwide, offering a pathway to comprehend and heal complexities of human mind.

He said that significance of cognitive therapy could not be overstated in the world where mental health issues continued to surge as it stood as a cornerstone in the foundation of mental wellness, equipping individuals with tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and fortitude.

He said the theme of this year’s conference “Navigating Spectrum: Mental Wellness in a Changing World” encapsulated the essence of our collective mission. Eminent scholars, including Prof Dr Farooq Naeem from Canada, Prof Firdous Mukhtiar from Malaysia, Dr Saiqa Naz from the United Kingdom, Prof Dr M. Iqbal Affridi and Dr Mirat Gul from Pakistan also spoke on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2024