Imagine, Create, Heal
LAHORE: The Working Group on School Mental Health for the Global Task Force to advance child and adolescent mental health services in Low and Middle-Income Countries (by World Psychiatric Association (WPA), Asian Federation of Psychiatric Associations (AFPA), and SAARC Psychiatric Federation (SPF) in collaboration with Child & Family Psychiatry Department, King Edward Medical University organized this art competition recently. Other collaborating institutions included, Child mental health unit, Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical University and Connections Comprehensive Psychiatric Services.
Art competition was planned among school students in April 2024. The theme, “Imagine, Create, Heal: Art Competition in Schools for Mental Health Awareness,” was carefully chosen to underscore the transformative power of art in promoting mental health awareness.
Art it may be mentioned here serves as a transformative medium for mental health awareness among children and adolescents, offering a unique avenue to reduce mental health stigma, promote awareness, express mental health issues, and promote mental calmness. Through artistic creation, individuals can articulate complex emotions, confront inner struggles, and find solace in creativity. Moreover, art engagement promotes mindfulness, self-reflection, and empathy, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues and encouraging open dialogue within communities.
The competition was held among students in two age group categories (8-12 years and 12-18 years). Forty-nine participants from across Pakistan registered and submitted their artwork based on different themes related to mental health. All entries were judged on originality and creativity, relevance to the theme, artistic technique and skill, emotional impact, and overall presentation. An international panel comprising Dr. Ahsan Nazeer (Qatar), Dr. Musabbeha Khan (Sydney, Australia), Lt Col. Dr. Fatima Yasser (Quetta, Pakistan), and Dr. Durre Shahwar (Qatar) judged the entries. The winners for the 8-12 years category were Shahwaiz (Pak China International School & colleges Jamshoro Campus, Sindh, Theme “Mental illness is a disorder, not a decision”), Ranya Nargis Nasir (Beaconhouse TNS school Lahore, Theme “Be kind to your Mind” and Aahil Saleem Nasir (Aitchison College Lahore, Theme There is Hope).
In the age group 12-18 years, 1st and 3rd positions were by Crescent Model Higher Secondary School students: Muhammad Umer (Mental Health is a big Deal), Umair (Asking for help shows strength), and 2nd position was by Beaconhouse School System student: Maheen Siddiqui (Mental health Awareness). The top three winners of both age categories received certificates and shields. All contestants received e-certificates for participating in the contest. See accompanying figure which gives details of the institutions from where the students participated and the result.
As a tool for empowerment and healing, art empowers young minds to break the silence surrounding mental health, promoting resilience, and fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. The success of initiatives like “Imagine, Create, Heal” in fostering dialogue, empathy, and support is evident in the powerful artworks created by the participants. Through the medium of art, we aspire to ignite conversations, break down barriers, and promote mental well-being in schools and communities worldwide.
Report contributors: Prof. Dr. Nazish Imran, Dr. Muhammad Imran Sharif, Dr. Qurrat Ulain Hamdan, Dr Mahum Tanveer, Dr. Khaula Tariq, Dr. Manal Khan, Dr. Ahsan Nazeer, Dr. Durre Shahwar and Prof. Dr. Afzal Javed.
