LAHORE: Emotional support and undivided family attention can act as half the treatment for psychiatric patients, reducing disease severity and curbing aggressive symptoms alongside conventional medication.

This was highlighted by Prof Jodat Saleem, principal of the Ameeruddin Medical College (AMC), while presiding over a ceremony organised by the Department of Psychiatry at Lahore General Hospital (LGH) to mark the World Mental Health Day.

The event aligned with the global theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health.

Addressing the seminar, Prof Saleem remarked that mental health holds equal importance to physical health. He advocated for integrating real-life patient experiences into healthcare policy to revolutionise psychiatric care, restore patient confidence, and accelerate recovery.

LGH MS Prof Dr Faryad Hussain and Psychiatry Department Head Prof Dr Faiza Athar urged the public not to delay seeking professional medical help upon noticing early warning signs. They identified persistent sadness, restlessness, sleep disruption, appetite changes, poor concentration, unexplained fatigue, and persistent negative thoughts as key indicators of depression and anxiety.

The event featured an awareness walk, distribution of educational literature, and recovery stories shared by former patients to inspire hope.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2026