Mental Health Awareness Day 2026

REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 2026

Government Queen Mary Graduate College, Lahore

Organized by: Department of Psychology
Date: 20 October 2026
Chief Guest: Professor Ahsan Mukhtar, Director Colleges, Lahore Division
Theme: Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

The Department of Psychology, Government Queen Mary Graduate College, Lahore, organized Mental Health Awareness Day 2026 on 20 October 2026, following the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The event aimed to promote mental health awareness, address students’ psychological challenges, and emphasize the importance of emotional well-being alongside academic achievement. The program comprised three major segments: a panel discussion, a mental health poster competition, and a mental health awareness walk.

The first segment featured a panel discussion titled “Beyond Grades & MDCAT: Navigating Academic Pressure, Building Resilience & Protecting Mental Health.” The discussion explored academic stress, self-worth, resilience, alternative career pathways, and the importance of early identification of psychological distress. The panel was chaired by Ms. Aqila Umbrin, Principal Clinical Psychology, PIMH, Lahore, while Professor Dr. Zaib Sadique, Dean of Science, Government Queen Mary Graduate College, Lahore, served as Co-Chair. The distinguished panellists included a student representative, a parent representative, Professor Dr. Nadia Dar, Senior Educationalist, Ms. Aleena Naveed, Clinical Psychologist, PIMH, Lahore, and Dr. Fouzia Hadi Ali, Director, Career Counselling and Placement Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

The discussion provided students with an opportunity to share their lived experiences and express their concerns regarding academic pressure, MDCAT, and career uncertainty. The floor was opened for questions, which were addressed by the panellists from their respective areas of expertise, offering practical guidance and diverse perspectives. The panellists emphasized that grades do not define a student’s worth, encouraged alternative career planning, and highlighted the importance of recognizing warning signs of psychological distress. They urged parents and teachers to replace comparison with encouragement, criticism with empathy, and silence with open communication.

In their concluding remarks, the Panel Chair, Ms. Aqila Umbrin, and Co-Chair, Professor Dr. Zaib Sadique, emphasized that students’ success should not be measured solely through grades, examination results, or admission to medical colleges. They highlighted the importance of self-worth, emotional resilience, and personal development, encouraging students and parents to consider alternative career pathways and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. They also stressed the need to recognize early signs of psychological distress and seek professional support when necessary. Reinforcing the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” they encouraged parents and educators to listen to students with empathy, provide non-judgmental support, and create environments where young people can express their concerns without fear. Their concluding message reminded the audience that no single examination determines a person’s future and that hope, perseverance, and emotional well-being are essential for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The Head of the Department of Psychology Dr Shazia Aslam , serving as the moderator of the panel discussion, conveyed the central message: “Academic achievements matter, but mental health matters more.”

The second segment comprised a mental health poster competition that engaged students in creative expression to promote awareness of mental health, emotional well-being, resilience, and the importance of seeking psychological support. The competition provided a platform for students to communicate meaningful mental health messages and challenge stigma through visual creativity.

The third segment was a Mental Health Awareness Walk, which demonstrated the college community’s collective commitment to psychological well-being. The walk aimed to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma, and reinforce the message that mental health is a shared responsibility requiring understanding, compassion, and support.

Professor Ahsan Mukhtar, Director Colleges, Lahore Division, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He appreciated the innovative approach, intellectual richness, meticulous planning, and teamwork behind the event. He commended the Principal’s leadership, the college’s contribution to education, and the enthusiastic participation of students. Drawing upon his professional experience, he encouraged students to view setbacks as opportunities for new beginnings, remain resilient and optimistic, and explore diverse avenues of learning and career development. He emphasized that failure should never be considered the end of one’s journey. His address inspired students to embrace challenges with courage, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Professor Dr. Sidra Amir, Principal, Government Queen Mary Graduate College, Lahore, emphasized that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being. She highlighted the academic pressures, career uncertainties, and social expectations faced by students and stressed the importance of replacing stigma with understanding and encouraging timely psychological support. She appreciated the Department of Psychology for organizing the event and reaffirmed the college’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. She also highlighted the college’s initiatives in psychology education, career counselling, and psychological support services available to students across all academic disciplines. Her address reinforced the importance of creating a supportive educational environment where students can pursue academic success while maintaining their emotional and psychological well-being.

Mental Health Awareness Day 2026 was a meaningful initiative that brought together educational leadership, mental health professionals, faculty, and students to promote psychological well-being. The panel discussion, poster competition, and awareness walk reinforced the importance of listening to students’ experiences, recognizing academic stress, and fostering a supportive educational environment. The event concluded with a collective commitment to nurturing emotionally healthy, resilient, and confident individuals, reminding the college community that academic achievement is important, but mental health must remain a priority.