“Beyond Burnout: Mental Health and Resilience in Doctoral Journeys”

FAISALABAD Oct 11: Deteriorating socioeconomic fabric is provoking stress and neurotic problems among the masses for which there is a need to promote a tendency towards an optimistic approach and create awareness about mental health. It was stated by the speakers at an interactive session titled “Beyond Burnout: Mental Health and Resilience in Doctoral Journeys” arranged at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) on the directives of Vice Chancellor Dr Zulfiqar Ali. The event was organized by the Department of Rural Sociology UAF in collaboration with Directorate of Graduate Studies, Faisalabad Medical University and Hometown Community Foundation. Chairperson Punjab Higher Education Commission Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan (online ) said that we must acknowledge that mental well-being is just as vital as academic excellence. He said our research scholars often face stress and burnout due to pressure that is why it is important to build resilience and seek timely professional help. He urged universities to come up with more often such initiatives where students can take guidance and learn how to control their mental instability. HOD Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faisalabad Medical University (FMU) Prof Dr Imtiaz Dogar said that mental health is as important as the physical health. He said it is wise decision to consult with psychiatrists who will help tackle the situations which trigger or sometimes worsen the condition. Chairperson Department of Rural sociology Dr Sadaf Mehmood said that good mental health is essential for proper working in daily life. She said that youth is facing multiple problems simultaneously during academic life. She said that stigma about therapy should be broken through dialogue. Director Graduate Studies Dr Khalid Bashir said that we must remind ourselves that no success can sustain without mental peace. He said that our young scholars often work under immense pressure, so it is our responsibility to ensure that they are not only intellectually equipped but also emotionally resilient. Dr Naveed Farah, Associate Professor and the organizer of the seminar emphasized the importance of world mental health day and said that today's event is aligned with the aim to remove the social stigma about discussing mental health issues FMU Principal Clinical Psychologist Dr Samreen Afzal said that as many young researchers face silent battles of anxiety, burnout and self-doubts, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms at early and respond with care and responsibility. She said that with the help of simple techniques and exercises this condition can be controlled. Dr Sohail Abbas Shamsi and Dr Madeeha also spoke on the occasion.