By Andleeb Khan

ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP):A remarkable surge in children;s mental health disorders is a disturbing trend that reflects society’s failure to provide adequate support to the countless children silently struggling.

Health experts have emphasized the pivotal role parents play in supporting children’s mental health.

Family and couple therapy, along with techniques such as psychotherapy, stress management, and behavioral training, prove instrumental in addressing these issues.

Government and community efforts must provide accessible mental health resources, with a commitment to prioritize children’s well-being alongside physical health, they stressed.

Chief Executive Officer MehfoozBachpan (Child Protection Campaign), Bushra Iqbal highlights, “Understanding a child’s personality physiologically, mentally, and physically by giving them a conducive approach provides a protective environment, making them more successful and feel like useful citizens of society.”

A known psychologist Sobia Khateeb adds, “Family and couple therapy are very helpful in dealing with children’s mental health issues, including psychotherapy, family training therapies, stress management, and behavioral management.”

Parents play a crucial role in shaping their children’s mental well-being. By actively engaging with their children, observing their activities, and addressing their thoughts and concerns, parents can create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional resilience.

Open and supportive conversations at home can help alleviate fears and anxieties that contribute to mental health disorders, she added.

Regular check-ins with children are essential in monitoring their emotional well-being. Emotions and moods can fluctuate, and by actively communicating and offering support, parents can normalize any fears or anxieties stemming from their environment.

Reinforcing positive aspects of their lives, such as engaging in activities, spending time with loved ones, and pursuing hobbies, can significantly contribute to a healthy mental state.

However, the responsibility to address children’s mental health issues extends beyond the confines of the home.

Government and community efforts are crucial in providing accessible mental health resources and interventions. Prioritizing children’s mental health, alongside physical health, should be a cornerstone of public health policies.

In countries facing specific challenges, such as polio eradication, the cooperation of parents becomes paramount.

It is essential for parents to understand the implications of neglecting vaccinations, as it not only poses physical health risks but also contributes to mental and emotional distress in children.

By prioritizing their children’s health and actively participating in vaccination programs, parents can contribute to their overall well-being and protect them from potential mental health challenges.

Internal pressures, such as academic performance stress, excessive expectations, and constant comparisons, can significantly impact a child’s mental health.

Creating a supportive environment that fosters individuality and encourages a balanced approach can help alleviate these pressures. Parents should promote a healthy perspective on achievements and ensure children have opportunities for relaxation and self-care.

Addressing name-calling, bullying, and fostering a culture of respect within schools and communities is essential. By educating children on the importance of kindness and empathy, we can create inclusive environments where all children feel safe and valued.

Nabhat whose son experienced multiple mental and physical disorders following an accident has shared a mother’s perspective and ordeal while dealing with such child.

She said to ensure his well-being, she chose an institute specializing in disability care. Despite their commendable efforts, she hired a nurse, acknowledging that professional support is essential.

Parents must recognize when complex needs surpass their abilities alone, she advised parents.

In a nutshell, raising awareness and placing children’s mental health at the forefront is imperative. Parental education programs, guided by experts like Sobia Khateeb, would help empower parents to identify and address potential disorders.

By adopting a proactive approach, we can create a supportive environment that nurtures our children’s mental well-being.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 09 (APP):The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday issued an advisory to the local administration and masses along Ravi River after India released around 185,000 cusecs of water from Ujh Barrage.

The NDMA in its flood update issued here, said as per the Permanent Commission on Indus Water (PCIW), India has released approximately 185,000 cusecs water from Ujh Barrage (River Ravi).

As per the previous record, last year India had also released 173,000 cusecs and approximately one-third of the released water i.e. 60,000 cusecs reached at Jassar causing Low Flood level (gauging point on River Ravi).

Therefore as per the PCIW, considering previous record around 65,000 cusecs is expected to reach within next 20-24 hours.

“Likely Impact: As per flood limits of River Ravi at Jassar, LOW FLOOD in the flood plain areas is expected,” the NDMA said.

As per the NDMA’s guidelines, local administration was vigilantly monitoring situation till July 20th.

Moreover, the public was advised to stay informed and follow guidelines from relevant administration.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 09 (APP):Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik on Sunday held an interactive meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to discuss key points related to disaster management and resilience upon his visit here to NDMA headquarters.

The meeting focused on various aspects of disaster preparedness and collaboration between the two countries in the field of disaster management, a news release said.

The Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) emphasized the significance of local community engagement in order to enable disaster resilience.

He highlighted the unprecedented Floods 2022 emphasizing the need for an efficient Early Warning System (EWS) in place to mitigate the adverse impacts of such disasters.

He stressed the crucial role of disaster preparedness in Pakistan, stating that managing two simultaneous disasters can be a daunting task and have severe consequences.

He apprised the Swiss delegation of inclusive and people-centric disaster preparedness system, mentioning three National Simulation Exercises (SimExs) conducted by NDMA to enhance disaster preparedness in Pakistan.

The Chairman NDMA informed about the establishment of NEOC to generate National Common Operating Picture (NCOP) for all relevant stakeholders to mitigate likely impacts of disasters and setting up NDMA’s Think Tank, NIDM to collaborate with think tanks, NGOs, INGOs, academia, and industry stakeholders both domestically and globally to develop effective policy recommendations and reduce disaster risk. He underlined the importance of reaching out to regional universities for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Swiss Foreign Minister, Ignazio Cassis, expressed his gratitude for MoU on disaster management cooperation between Switzerland and Pakistan. He highlighted the similarity in topography and challenges faced by both countries, and emphasized the importance of technological knowledge in dealing with complex disaster management challenges and risk management. Minister Cassis expressed his interest in exploring common solutions and collaboration opportunities.

Swiss Minister lauded the development and achievements in disaster management in Pakistan and expressed his anticipation for future cooperation based on the MoU. The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue to work closely together to enhance disaster management capabilities and share best practices in the field.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 09 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday took notice of the eruption of fire in an oil refinery in Ali Pur Chatta and directed for immediate and swift measures for the safeguard of public and the staff deputed there.

The prime minister also ordered an inquiry into the incident, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.

ISLAMABAD, Jul 9 (APP):Health experts on Sunday encouraged youngsters to play their active role for a noble cause of ‘Blood Donation’ awareness drives with social media platforms to overcome the common myths in backward areas of the country and urged stakeholders to invest in upgrading the existing infrastructure.

Talking to PTV news channel, District Health Officer Dr. Zaeem stressed that there was a need to educate the public and eliminate unfounded myths in order to encourage volunteer blood donation, adding, people only donate blood when there is an emergency-like situation.

He said that the availability of screened fresh blood in a hospital was essential part and is required every day for critical patients, especially when there was a major operation or child birth.

We, the whole society should join hands and encourage our people living in rural areas and youngsters to embrace the noble act of blood donation, for it is through our collective efforts that we can save lives, he added.

Another Senior Medical officer Dr Amina said that it was a fact that donating blood was a simple and safe procedure, adding, the donated blood can save the lives of people in need and it also benefit the donor’s overall health.
“Everyone who can donate blood should consider making regular donations”, she added.

“In Pakistan, people usually come out and donate blood when an unfortunate incident occurs. But sometimes these contributions are too late to save a life”, she regretted.

Replying to a query, she said the body normally replaces the donated blood cells with new cells within 6 to 8 weeks, adding, blood can be donated every six months by males and every eight months by females.

To another question, she told a common misconception is that donating blood leads to weakness or health problems.

In reality, the human body is capable of replenishing the donated blood within a short period, usually within 24-48 hours.

She advised the donors to take rest, hydrate and eat nutritious meals after donation.