October marks World Mental Health Awareness Month, and Saba Qamar is using her platform to bring attention to this critical issue.
The acclaimed actor and UNICEF Pakistan’s first National Ambassador for child rights shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about the importance of mental health, especially for children. In a short video, she emphasized the need to listen more, care deeply, and normalize conversations that are often ignored or stigmatized.
“We don’t talk about mental health enough,” she said. “And when we do, it’s often whispered, as something to hide, but it’s not. Mental health is just as important as physical health.”
Saba spoke openly about her personal experiences, revealing moments that felt overwhelming and times when she didn’t know where to turn. She credited her healing process to reaching out, talking about her feelings, and embracing small, grounding habits. “For me, praying, journaling, reading, exercising, painting, and even listening to music — these are habits that keep me calm,” she shared.
Her message also served as a reminder to parents, teachers, and mentors to pay attention to children’s emotional well-being. “Sometimes, just listening to a child or validating their feelings can make the biggest difference,” she noted, highlighting how simple gestures of empathy can have a lasting impact.
Through her partnership with UNICEF Pakistan, Saba continues to spotlight child mental health, a topic often surrounded by stigma in many communities. By speaking candidly, she encourages a culture of openness and understanding.
Ending her message with a note of reassurance, she reminded her audience, “Let’s keep talking, let’s keep listening, and let’s keep reminding each other — it’s okay not to be okay.”
Saba Qamar’s advocacy not only amplifies the importance of mental health awareness during this dedicated month but also inspires individuals to approach emotional well-being with compassion and openness, creating a ripple effect of support and understanding across communities.
