LAHORE: The Women Development Center (GCU WDC) at Government College University held week-long mental health workshops for students from various universities.

GCU Vice-Chancellor Professor Asghar Zaidi on Friday presided over the closing ceremony of the workshops attended by eminent psychologists who called on students not to hesitate to seek professional or medical help if they suffer from any type of trauma, anxiety or stress. Ms. Sumera Khalil, Head of Women’s Development Center at GCU, was also present.

Dr Mahwesh Arooj Naz, Head of Clinical Psychology Unit at GCU, explained that stress is not just a mental condition, but manifests in physical symptoms and sometimes makes people prone to illnesses permanent. She said it was completely normal to feel both negative and positive emotions, but it was necessary to take stressful situations not as a threat but as an opportunity to achieve a better outcome.

She also taught different techniques to avoid stress, including meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness.

GCU Campus Counselor Dr. Ayesha Majeed advised that when dealing with intense emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, etc., it is recommended to calm down by seeking an exit from a situation, taking a time out and breathing slowly to return to a comfortable state.

She advised catharsis via a written vent, talking to close and trusted people and having a positive dialogue with themselves and changing negative thoughts by hammering them with positive thoughts.

Dr. Saadia Dildaar spoke to the students about trauma management while Dr. Rabia Iftikhar taught anger management techniques and exercises.

DPA: The Government of Punjab, in its Annual Development Plan 2022-23, has approved funds for the construction of the GCU Center of Sports Excellence over the next year at the cricket ground.

Professor Zaidi said the sports center would provide residencies for 150 talented students to nurture them for future national teams and championships.

Posted in Dawn, June 25, 2022