Saba Qamar Launches Powerful Mental Health Awareness Campaign: “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”

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Pakistani actress and Unicef ambassador Saba Qamar launches a heartfelt campaign to promote mental health awareness, encouraging open conversations about emotional struggles and ending stigma surrounding psychological well-being.

Introduction: A Voice for the Silent Struggle

In a world where social media often celebrates perfection, few public figures choose to speak openly about mental health. Pakistani superstar Saba Qamar, known for her fearless performances and advocacy, has once again stepped forward — this time to spark a nationwide dialogue on mental well-being.

To mark World Mental Health Month, observed globally every October, Saba launched a campaign centered around the powerful message: “It’s okay not to be okay.” Her goal is simple yet profound — to encourage people to talk about their mental health without fear, shame, or stigma.

Saba Qamar: The Advocate Beyond the Screen

Saba Qamar is one of Pakistan’s most acclaimed actresses, known for her roles in Baaghi, Cheekh, and Case No. 9. Beyond her acting career, she has become a symbol of strength, empathy, and social consciousness, consistently addressing issues that many in the entertainment industry shy away from.

As a Unicef ambassador, Saba’s activism focuses on child welfare, education, and mental health — particularly the unseen psychological challenges that children and young adults face. Through her campaign, she aims to remind people that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” Saba said in a recent Instagram video. “Talking about it is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

Her message was met with overwhelming support from fans, psychologists, and social workers who praised her for using her platform to raise awareness about a topic that remains taboo in many South Asian communities.

The Message: “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”

The slogan of Saba’s campaign captures the essence of compassion and acceptance. Mental illness affects millions worldwide, yet society’s tendency to dismiss or silence emotional pain often pushes people deeper into isolation.

“Concealing the problem is not the way to deal with it,” Saba emphasized. “We have to talk, and we have to listen.”

By sharing her personal experiences, she breaks down the false barrier between celebrities and everyday people. Saba openly acknowledged facing loneliness and emotional exhaustion, saying there were times she felt overwhelmed and unsure of whom to talk to.

“There have been days when things felt heavy,” she confessed. “When I didn’t know who to talk to. But over time, I have learned a few things that really helped me heal.”

Her honesty resonated deeply with audiences — particularly young people struggling in silence — reminding them that vulnerability is not weakness, but a form of courage.Saba Qamar mental health campaign

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Mental Health in Pakistan: The Silent Crisis

Mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of public health in Pakistan. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 25% of Pakistan’s population suffers from mental health issues ranging from depression and anxiety to trauma and stress-related disorders.

However, stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate access to mental health services continue to prevent people from seeking help. There are fewer than 500 trained psychiatrists in the entire country, and mental illness is still often misunderstood as a moral or spiritual failing rather than a medical condition.

Saba Qamar’s campaign challenges these misconceptions head-on, using her influence to normalize conversations about therapy, emotional vulnerability, and healing. Her message empowers people to acknowledge their pain and seek support without fear of judgment.mental health awareness in Pakistan

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Social media, while often criticized for promoting unrealistic lifestyles, has also become a space for advocacy. Saba used her Instagram and YouTube platforms to share motivational videos and reflective captions, offering reassurance to those battling internal struggles.

Her campaign video quickly went viral, with thousands commenting on how her words helped them feel seen and understood.

One follower wrote:

“Hearing this from someone like Saba Qamar gives us courage. She’s showing that even successful people have struggles — and that’s okay.”

By speaking openly about her emotions, Saba contributes to a cultural shift — encouraging others, especially in South Asia, to talk about mental well-being just as openly as physical health or career success.

Unicef and Mental Health Advocacy

As part of her role as a Unicef ambassador, Saba Qamar’s advocacy goes beyond social media. She works to promote programs that address children’s psychological development, emotional literacy, and access to counseling in schools.

Many children in underprivileged areas face trauma stemming from poverty, domestic abuse, violence, or neglect. These experiences often lead to long-term emotional scars if not addressed early.

Saba has highlighted that listening to children and validating their emotions is essential to breaking the cycle of silence. Her message — “We have to talk, we have to listen” — reflects Unicef’s broader global push for child-centered mental health education.

A Star Who Knows the Struggle

Saba’s openness about her own emotional battles adds authenticity to her message. In various interviews, she has spoken about facing self-doubt, pressure, and isolation in an industry that constantly scrutinizes women’s appearances and choices.

She has often shared that success did not protect her from sadness or burnout, and that she has learned to cope through self-care, mindfulness, and emotional honesty. Her personal healing journey gives hope to fans who admire her strength both on and off-screen.

“There were days when I didn’t feel strong enough,” she said. “But healing takes time — and it’s okay to take that time.”

The Importance of Talking and Listening

One of the most powerful aspects of Saba’s message is her emphasis on open dialogue. Silence, she explains, can be deadly — especially when people feel ashamed to talk about mental distress.

Research supports her view. Studies show that open communication, empathy, and early intervention can significantly reduce the severity of mental health crises. Simply having someone listen without judgment can help prevent depression from spiraling into hopelessness.

Through her campaign, Saba urges people to check on friends, family, and colleagues — and to listen without dismissing their feelings.

Her initiative aligns with World Health Organization’s 2025 theme for World Mental Health Day: “Mental health is a universal human right.”

What is the purpose of Saba Qamar’s mental health campaign?

The campaign aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges in Pakistan and encourage people to openly discuss their emotional struggles without fear or shame. It highlights that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Why is the message “It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” important?

This message challenges the stigma surrounding mental health. It reminds people that everyone faces emotional difficulties at some point, and it’s completely normal to feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed — the key is to seek support when needed.

Who is Saba Qamar targeting through this campaign?

The campaign is primarily targeted at young people, working professionals, and women who often face mental health challenges in silence. It also speaks to society as a whole, encouraging empathy and understanding toward those struggling.

In Pakistan and across South Asia, celebrities wield enormous influence. Saba Qamar’s decision to address mental health sends a powerful message to her millions of followers. By speaking out, she’s encouraging a cultural transformation — one that values empathy over perfection, and compassion over criticism.

Her campaign also joins a growing list of celebrity-led mental health initiatives. Globally, stars like Selena Gomez, Deepika Padukone, and Prince Harry have used their platforms to advocate for mental wellness, sharing their personal journeys to normalize seeking help.

In Pakistan, Saba’s campaign could play a similar transformative role, inspiring other artists and influencers to break their silence and discuss emotional well-being publicly.

From Awareness to Action

Awareness is only the first step. The next challenge lies in creating accessible mental health services for all Pakistanis.

Saba’s initiative has sparked renewed discussion about the need for:

Mental health education in schools
Workplace mental wellness programs
Affordable therapy and counseling centers
Training for teachers and parents to identify early signs of distress

She has also encouraged policymakers to invest in community-based mental health infrastructure, ensuring that emotional support is available to everyone — not just those who can afford private care.

Healing in the Public Eye

Despite being one of Pakistan’s most celebrated stars, Saba has often spoken about the emotional cost of fame. Constant scrutiny, public pressure, and unrealistic expectations can take a heavy toll on mental health.

Her honesty about feeling lonely or uncertain serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone — regardless of fame or fortune.

Through her campaign, Saba shows that vulnerability is strength and that healing is possible through self-awareness, therapy, and compassion.

Public Reaction: A Wave of Support

The campaign quickly gained traction online. Thousands of fans, mental health professionals, and organizations praised her initiative. Hashtags like #ItsOkayNotToBeOkay and #SabaQamarForMentalHealth trended across Pakistani social media platforms.

Mental health advocates applauded her for normalizing the conversation. Psychologists noted that campaigns like this help dismantle cultural taboos and inspire people to seek help rather than suffer in silence.

Conclusion: Breaking the Silence, One Conversation at a Time

Saba Qamar’s campaign reminds us that mental health is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. Her message, “It’s okay not to be okay,” has become a rallying cry for anyone battling inner turmoil.

By sharing her personal struggles and using her platform for good, Saba proves that awareness and empathy can change lives. Her voice adds to a growing global movement that insists mental well-being is a right, not a privilege.

“Healing begins when we start to talk,” Saba said. “We all need to be there for each other — to listen, to understand, and to care.”

Internal Linking Suggestions

Link to an article on Mental Health Awareness Month or World Mental Health Day.
Link to posts about Pakistani celebrities advocating social causes.
Link to Unicef’s global mental health programs or child rights initiatives.
Link to resources about therapy, emotional health, and mindfulness practices.