ISLAMABAD, OCT 21 /DNA/ – The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) celebrated World Mental Health Week on Tuesday at its National Headquarters in Islamabad under this year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlighting the urgent need to strengthen mental health support during crises and disasters.
The event was graced by Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek and attended by Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan, Head of Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Pakistan Mr. Farid Abdulqadir, Head of Delegation Turkish Red Crescent Ms. Beyza Taner, representatives from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Norwegian Red Cross, German Red Cross, PRCS staff and volunteers, and people from different walks of life.
In her remarks, Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health, especially for communities and frontline responders exposed to emergencies. She said mental health is not a secondary concern but a fundamental part of humanitarian response. As disasters and crises continue to test human resilience, psychological care and emotional well-being must be integrated into every relief effort. She added that the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is committed to fostering compassion, empathy, and mental strength within communities and among its teams.
Secretary General Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan said that mental health care is lifesaving care and caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. He reaffirmed PRCS’s commitment to promoting mental health and psychosocial support through stress management exercises, peer support, and safe spaces for reflection.
Head of Delegation IFRC in Pakistan Mr. Farid Abdulqadir highlighted the significance of mental health and psychological wellness for both relief workers and affected communities, stressing that frontline responders must have the emotional tools and institutional support to manage the stress and trauma they face in humanitarian operations.
Representatives from ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, and German Red Cross appreciated the initiative and stressed the importance of such awareness activities for the mental and emotional well-being of humanitarian staff and volunteers.
During the event, the Restoring Family Links (RFL) team conducted interactive sessions on “Promoting Mental Well-being in Emergencies: Awareness, Reactions, and Support for Care Providers.” Participants took part in stress management exercises, including deep breathing and muscle relaxation, followed by an “Empathy Circle” activity that encouraged staff to understand the emotional experiences of others.
The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek and representatives from IFRC, ICRC, Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent, and German Red Cross, symbolizing unity and shared commitment to promoting mental well-being within the humanitarian network.
