The picturesque valleys of Kashmir and Northern Areas reverberated with terrifying rumbles as mountain after mountain shook and spilled its heart out in the Himalayan earthquake last October. A year later, the mountains reflect an eerie sadness, a deep seated grief that feels eternally etched in the collective memory of the people in the region. Prolonged grief and the agony of losing loved ones cause far reaching psychological damage for generations. Without assistance, the whole population is at risk of developing severe psychological issues that would adversely affect the rehabilitation process in the long run.

Dr Naim Siddiqi and Dr Murad Khan at a group counselling session in Garhi Habibullah.

Department of Psychiatry's continued efforts to help in the rehabilitation process of earthquake victims have focused on capacity building and training programmes. Apart from health professionals, efforts have also focused on training volunteers for handling grief and counselling others in order to ensure sustainable progress in alleviation of psychological trauma in earthquake victims.

A team of senior faculty members led by Chairman and Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dr Murad M Khan imparted training in Basic Counselling Skills at a workshop for volunteers, health professionals and staff of NGOs working in the earthquake-affected areas. The three-day workshop was held in Karachi in collaboration with Pakistan Association of Mental Health (PAMH).

The impact of all these various activities has been significant. Mental health is a grossly neglected area in Pakistan and by its various earthquake relief activities related to mental health, the AKU Psychiatry Department has helped raise the profile of mental health issues in Pakistan generally. More than a hundred health professionals and other personnel, including volunteers, have been trained by the department in psychosocial counselling skills and recognition and management of mental health problems at primary care level. Many of the trained people now serve as resource persons for various organisations.

Through its participation in various forums and training programmes, the Department has also established links with a number of academic institutions and various NGOs. In response to requests, the Department has shared its training materials and programme contents with many other institutions and individuals - both from within Pakistan and abroad. The Department continues to be approached by various individuals, institutions and NGOs for advice, assistance and training of their personnel.

A number of publications in international journals have also emanated from the faculty's experience, while some others are in the pipeline. These have drawn attention to the challenges faced by mental health professionals in Pakistan and have been the focus of discussion at various forums.

Reflecting on the experience of working in the affected areas, Professor Khan, says, "Everywhere we went, people had stories to tell. The stories we heard were truly heart wrenching. It was challenging, yet one of the most humbling experiences for us." As care and compassion combine with professional expertise to heal the psychological scars of the affectees, there is promise of a sound and sustainable rebuilding for families affected by this tragedy of colossal proportions.

More information on the earthquake efforts at http://www.aku.edu/relief/