ISLAMABAD: Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has launched a mental health awareness campaign in honor of World Mental Health Month, observed every October to promote mental well-being.
As a UNICEF ambassador, the actor highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues, especially among children, who often suffer in silence when their problems are not heard. Qamar, known for speaking candidly about social issues, emphasized that mental health is just as vital as physical health.
In a video shared on her official Instagram, Qamar encouraged people to openly discuss their struggles. “It’s okay not to be okay,” she said, stressing that concealing one’s mental health issues is not the solution. “We have to talk, to listen,” she added.
Qamar also shared her personal experience, revealing how she coped with feelings of loneliness. “There have been days when things felt heavy. When I did not know who to talk to, but over time, I have learned a few things that really helped me heal,” she explained.
She outlined three key steps for managing mental health:
1. Reach out for support, whether from friends, family, or others, because you don’t have to face it alone.
2. Understand your options and know that help is available. You deserve it.
3. Build a small routine, including activities like praying, journaling, exercising, and listening to music, to stay grounded and calm.
Qamar concluded by emphasizing the role of teachers, parents, and mentors in supporting children. “Sometimes, just listening to a child and validating their feelings can make the biggest difference,” she said.
