In celebration of World Mental Health Day 2023 and its theme, “Recognizing Mental Health as a Universal Human Right,” Qarshi University hosted a compelling Q-Talks session on Anxiety and Stress Management. This insightful event, held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, took place at the Qarshi University Auditorium in Lahore. It featured Mrs. Humaira Irfan, a Registered (q) Psychotherapist in Canada, who shared her extensive expertise and strategies to help participants manage their mental health effectively.

Mrs. Humaira Irfan, an accomplished psychotherapist, holds an Honors degree in Psychology from York University and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. Her distinguished career includes her role as a Mental Health Crisis Responder in Ontario, Canada, where she has provided invaluable support and counseling to adolescents and adults. Her eclectic approach to psychotherapy, tailored to the unique needs of each client, has made her a respected figure in the mental health community.

During her talk, Mrs. Irfan delved into the complexities of anxiety and stress, offering practical strategies to manage these common yet challenging aspects of mental health. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of anxiety and stress early and shared effective techniques to address them, including mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and lifestyle adjustments. Her insights underscored the necessity of integrating mental well-being into our daily lives and highlighted the importance of seeking professional help when needed.

The session was both engaging and informative, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of how to manage anxiety and stress. Participants left with a toolkit of practical strategies and a renewed commitment to prioritizing their mental health.

This Q-Talks event was a significant step towards advocating for mental health as a universal human right, aligning perfectly with this year’s World Mental Health Day theme. It served as a powerful reminder that mental well-being is essential and that resources and support are available to everyone.