‘It’s Okay Not to Be Okay’ — Saba Qamar Opens Up on Mental Health. Urges Pakistanis to Speak, Listen, and Heal Together 💚

Renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has called on people across the country to break the silence around mental health, urging open conversations and compassion toward those facing emotional struggles. Sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, she emphasized that mental health deserves the same attention and care as physical well-being.

The Kamli and Baaghi star, who also serves as UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador for Child Rights and Girls’ Empowerment, launched a mental health awareness initiative in observance of World Mental Health Month.

Reflecting on her own experiences, Saba admitted that she too has faced challenging times.

“Like everyone, I’ve had my share of struggles — days when everything felt overwhelming, when I didn’t know who to turn to,” she revealed. “But seeking help and speaking openly made all the difference.”

She stressed that discussing emotional health should not be viewed as a weakness.

“In our society, mental health is still treated like a taboo. People whisper about it as if it’s shameful — but it’s not. Talking about it shows courage, not vulnerability,” she said.

Saba urged her followers to find balance through simple daily habits that nurture mental peace. “Praying, journaling, reading, exercising, painting, even listening to music — these small actions keep me grounded,” she shared, adding that consistency in self-care can bring lasting change.

Beyond her personal reflections, Saba also highlighted the role of parents, teachers, and mentors in safeguarding young minds. “Sometimes, just listening to a child or acknowledging their feelings can have a lasting positive impact,” she noted.

Tying her message to her UNICEF work, she reaffirmed her dedication to building an environment where every child can thrive emotionally and mentally. In a previous post marking one year of her UNICEF ambassadorship, she celebrated the resilience of young girls she met through the organization, calling education and opportunity “every girl’s right, not a privilege.”

Closing her message with warmth and empathy, Saba left her audience with a timeless reminder:

“Healing starts with honesty and empathy. Let’s keep the conversation going — let’s talk, listen, and remind each other that it’s okay not to be okay.”