Mental health has become one of the biggest challenges of modern times, especially for young people. In an insightful interview, renowned child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist Dr. Ambreen Ahmed shared powerful thoughts on parenting, youth anxiety, depression, and how society can raise emotionally healthy children.
A Life of Exposure Across Pakistan
Dr. Ambreen Ahmed shared that her childhood was joyful and full of learning because her father worked in Pakistan Railways. This allowed the family to live in different cities and travel widely by train. According to her, this exposure helped her understand Pakistan’s diversity, people, and cultures.
She completed much of her education in Lahore, then did FSc in Quetta, studied at Fatima Jinnah Medical College and Dow Medical College, before moving to the United States for advanced psychiatric training.
Why She Chose Psychiatry
Dr. Ambreen said she was always curious about why people behave differently. She credited her mother for teaching empathy and reminding her that people’s actions often come from unseen struggles.
This curiosity about human behavior led her to psychiatry — a field where she could understand people deeply and help them heal.
Training in the USA: More Than Just Medicines
During her psychiatric training in the United States, Dr. Ambreen learned an approach beyond medications. She explained that mental health treatment should include understanding a person’s life experiences, childhood, relationships, and emotional struggles.
She emphasized that therapy and human connection are just as important as medicine.
Why Child Psychiatry Matters
Dr. Ambreen chose child and adolescent psychiatry because personality and emotional patterns often begin in childhood. She believes helping children early can prevent many future struggles.
According to her, childhood is when values, emotional habits, and behavior patterns are formed.
Why Today’s Youth Feel More Anxiety
Dr. Ambreen warned that today’s younger generation faces immense pressure:
- Competition for grades
- Fear of failure
- Social comparison
- Unemployment
- Poverty
- Climate anxiety
- Wars and injustice
- Lack of hope
She said many young people feel anxious because society tells them success only means money, cars, houses, and status.
Her Powerful Message of Hope
Instead of making children feel helpless, Dr. Ambreen said families and schools should teach them that small actions matter.
Helping others, volunteering, learning skills, protecting nature, and contributing to society can build confidence and hope.
Mental Health – Parenting Advice Every Family Needs
One of her strongest messages was:
Children need time more than expensive gifts.
She explained that many parents confuse material things with love. But children benefit more from:
- Spending quality time together
- Open communication
- Shared activities
- Listening without judgment
- Setting boundaries with warmth
She also shared memorable advice she once received:
“You only need to be a good enough mother, not a perfect mother.”
Mental Health Stigma Still Exists
Dr. Ambreen noted that mental health awareness has improved in Pakistan, but stigma still remains—especially among men and children. Many people fear labels or see emotional struggle as weakness.
She urged society to normalize seeking help.
Mental Health – Final Thoughts
Dr. Ambreen Ahmed’s interview is a reminder that mental health is not separate from life—it is deeply connected to parenting, education, justice, economy, environment, and relationships.
Her message is clear: give children time, understanding, hope, and connection.
