World Mental Health Day observed.

ISLAMABAD, October 10, 2009 (Balochistan Times): Like other parts of the globe World Mental Health Day was also observed in Pakistan on Saturday to raise public awareness about mental health issues. Various activities were arranged by public and private hospitals to promote open discussion on illnesses, and encourage investments in prevention and treatment services. According to WHO, 154 million people globally suffer from depression, only one form of mental illness. Mental, neurological and behavioural disorders are common in all countries around the world, causing immense suffering and staggering economic and social costs. Health experts said that people with disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and higher death rates. They said that mental health promotion requires multi-sectoral action, involving a number of government sectors and non-governmental or community-based organizations. They added focus should be on promoting mental health throughout the lifespan to ensure a healthy start in life for children and to prevent mental disorders in adulthood and old age. They said instead of providing care in large psychiatric hospitals, the government should integrate mental health into primary health care, provide mental health care in general hospitals and develop community-based mental health services.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)