General Psychiatry

Our Services

General Psychiatry & Mental Wellness

Mental health is more than the absence of illness it’s about thriving emotionally and socially. Dr. Aftab offers general psychiatric care and wellness programs that address everyday mental health concerns as well as serious disorders. He emphasizes that all feelings are valid, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not shame. In Pakistani culture, family and faith are important; Dr. Aftab respects these values while gently educating communities that mental wellness is part of God’s gift of life, not something to hide. Everyone can benefit from mental health check-ups, just like physical exams.

What is mental wellness? It means a balance in emotions, thoughts, and relationships. According to SAMHSA, mental health “includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being” and affects how we handle stress and relate to others. Nearly 1 in 5 adults may experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. It’s not uncommon for people to feel excessive worry, sadness, irritability, or confusion when life gets hard. These are signals to take action not something to be embarrassed about.

Step-by-step Treatment

General psychiatry care is tailored to each person:

Comprehensive evaluation: Dr. Aftab starts with a friendly conversation about your concerns, plus medical and family history. He may use questionnaires or tests if needed. This often reveals which condition (or combination) is at play.
Diagnosis & plan: Based on the evaluation, Dr. Aftab explains the diagnosis (e.g., “major depression”, “generalized anxiety”) in simple language. He discusses treatment options and makes a plan together in many cases combining medication and therapy.
Medication Management: If needed, antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, mood stabilizers, or others may be prescribed. These correct chemical imbalances that cause symptoms. Dr. Aftab monitors for side effects and adjusts doses, keeping patients involved in decisions.
Therapeutic Support: Alongside or instead of medicine, talk therapy is often used. This can be CBT, supportive therapy, or interpersonal therapy whatever suits the person. The goal is to develop coping skills, solve problems, and work through emotional issues.
Wellness Education: Lifestyle and prevention are stressed. Dr. Aftab advises on healthy sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress-relief methods (meditation/prayer, exercise, hobbies).

About US

Dr. Aftab’s Unique Approach

Known for his gentle manner, Dr. Aftab balances medical expertise with cultural understanding. He speaks Urdu fluently, making counseling comfortable for those less familiar with English. He often involves family (with permission) to educate them about the illness, bridging gaps in knowledge. His years of teaching and practice mean he can explain complicated ideas simply. Patients appreciate that he listens patiently, reducing feelings of guilt or fear. He also stays updated on global practices offering, for example, the latest therapies (e.g., rTMS for depression) when appropriate.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is depression a normal part of aging or life?

No. While feeling sad sometimes is normal, persistent depression (several weeks) is not “just life” it’s treatable. Dr. Aftab notes that most older adults are happy, so depression is a sign to seek help.

How often should I do check-ups for mental wellness?

There’s no fixed schedule, but if you notice troubling changes (sleep loss, mood swings, anxiety), see Dr. Aftab right away. For some chronic conditions, he may schedule monthly or quarterly visits to stay on track.

What if I feel ashamed talking about my problems?

Dr. Aftab understands this concern. He assures confidentiality and non-judgment. Many patients say they immediately felt relief just by talking to him. Think of it like seeing a doctor for any health issue it’s a medical service, not a character flaw.

Can he help with family or marital counseling too?

Dr. Aftab often helps couples and families understand each other better. He can provide guidance for marital stress, parent-teen conflicts, or adjusting when someone has a mental illness.

Are online appointments effective for panic?

Dr. Aftab offers telemedicine across Pakistan. Therapy sessions and check-ins work well online, so even if you live outside Lahore, you can get the same personalized care.

Get Started

Appointment & Contact

Scheduling an appointment with Dr. Naeem Aftab is easy and confidential. Use the contact information below or our online portal (calendar integration coming soon) to secure a session.