“From Healing to Thriving: Nurturing Lives through the Power of Therapy and Counselling” with the theme “

FAISALABAD Oct 08: The current socio-economic challenges of the country are deepening feelings of uncertainty and hopelessness among youth. To cope up with the situation, professional guidance by experts can play significant role to take the youth out of it. It was stated by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Department of Rural Sociology Chairperson Dr Sadaf Mehmood at a seminar titled “From Healing to Thriving: Nurturing Lives through the Power of Therapy and Counselling” with the theme “Therapy for Today, Thriving for Tomorrow”. The seminar was organized on the directives of UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali. Speaking at the occasion, Dr Sadaf said that mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet it remains the most neglected area in our society. She said that therapy should not be viewed as stigma but as a strength to seek help. She urged students for mutual support to each other to overcome emotional distress. Clinical Psychologist at Aziz Fatima Hospital, Dr Ghulam Mustafa emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional expression and access to professional counselling. He added that timely therapy can transform suffering into strength. He called on educational institutions and NGOs to work in accordance with early diagnosis of such challenges facing by the youth. Associate Prof Department of Psychology at Riphah International University, Dr Luqman Khan said that deprivation from basic needs is one of the major causes of depression nowadays. He said that the stigma regarding therapy must be broken through dialogue and education. He said that just as physical health needs care, mental wellness requires equal attention and care. Dr. Madiha Naz Said that cultivating positivity and optimistic thinking can help youth overcome these challenges. Dr. Naveed Farah also spoke.