02/10/2025
Mental Health Awareness Seminar Series
Dates: 29 August – 24 September 2025
Venues: DHQ Hospital Haripur, Central Prison Haripur, and University of Haripur
Organized by: Department of Psychiatry, DHQ Hospital Haripur
In Collaboration With: Pakistan Psychiatric Society
Presenter: Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh
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Session 1 – Su***de Awareness Seminar
📅 Date: 29 August 2025
📍 Venue: DHQ Hospital Haripur
👥 Participants: Students of Psychology
The first session in the Su***de Awareness Seminar Series was conducted by Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh, focusing on the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of su***de. The discussion highlighted early recognition of warning signs, prevention strategies, and the role of psychology students in addressing stigma and promoting awareness.
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Session 2 – Child Mental Health Seminar
📅 Date: 30 August 2025
📍 Venue: DHQ Hospital Haripur
👥 Participants: Department of Paediatrics and Students of Psychology
This session, led by Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh, addressed Child Mental Health Awareness. It emphasized early identification of psychological concerns, timely interventions, and the value of multidisciplinary collaboration between psychiatry and paediatrics.
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Session 3 – Su***de Awareness Seminar
📅 Date: 19 September 2025
📍 Venue: DHQ Hospital Haripur
👥 Participants: Doctors of various specialties and Representatives of the Social Welfare Department
An interactive seminar on Su***de Awareness was conducted by Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh, engaging professionals from different specialties and the Social Welfare Department. The focus was on su***de prevention, stigma reduction, and strengthening inter-professional collaboration.
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Session 4 – Su***de Awareness Session at Central Prison
📅 Date: 23 September 2025
📍 Venue: Central Prison, Haripur
👥 Participants: Prison staff and Senior Medical Officer
A detailed session was conducted by Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh with prison staff and the senior doctor at Central Prison Haripur. The session covered su***de risk factors among inmates, methods of early detection, and the importance of supportive interventions within correctional facilities.
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Session 5 – Su***de Awareness Seminar at University of Haripur
📅 Date: 24 September 2025
📍 Venue: University of Haripur
👥 Participants: Students from various departments
The fifth session of the series was held at the University of Haripur, where Dr. Omar Murtaza Sheikh conducted an engaging and interactive seminar with students from multiple departments. The discussion emphasized recognizing warning signs, reducing stigma, and empowering youth to take an active role in su***de prevention and mental health promotion.
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Conclusion
The Mental Health Awareness Seminar Series held between 29 August and 24 September 2025 successfully engaged diverse audiences, including psychology students, paediatricians, doctors from different specialties, social welfare representatives, prison staff, and university students.
Through these sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge about su***de prevention, child mental health, and the importance of collaborative and community-based approaches. The Department of Psychiatry, DHQ Hospital Haripur, in collaboration with the Pakistan Psychiatric Society, reaffirms its commitment to continuing this vital initiative to promote mental health awareness and well-being across institutions and the wider community.
