(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
DOHA: A group of young and enthusiastic Qataris climbed Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe's highest mountain at 5,600 metre of altitude.
Part of their noble mission is to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing which is in line with the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy (QNMHS), under Objective 1 — the pledge to 'raise public awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) is fully supportive of this worthy initiative.
The team at NMHP have provided appropriate awareness messages which was displayed when the group reached the summit of the mountain.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani, Director of the Public Health Department at the Ministry of Public Health welcomed the youth initiative and their efforts to raise awareness of mental health and well-being. He said: 'The high spirit and challenge of the young climbers and their enthusiasm to deliver noble messages are a source of pride for us all. They reflect the determination and ability of Qatari youth to achieve success, and they are considered a model for youth.
Susan Clelland, Acting Executive Director of the National Mental Health Program stated, 'Their passion and commitment to such cause is heart-warming and exemplary. The group has demonstrated their support in raising awareness about this important issue.
On behalf of the group of youth climbing Elbrus, Aisha Al Naama said, 'We are a group of friends from different backgrounds. Some of us are related and the rest of us have met through our love of sports and physical activity. Elbrus is a beautiful Mountain that offers opportunities for people with different technical and physical levels.
'It makes a difficult yet achievable mental and physical challenge. At 5,600m of altitude, Mount Elbrus is the highest point in continental Europe. Some of us have already been involved together in physical challenges in the past. From Climbing Kilimanjaro to Cycling across Europe, each time trying to link it to different causes and charities.
She added: 'We care to live active and healthy lives and we attempt to act as ambassadors for this lifestyle as much as we can, seizing any opportunity to display that being active is easy and fun as well as highlighting the many benefits we thrive to inspire. Mental health is a topic that concerns everyone. 'There are many mental health conditions, which varies in severity and duration, but they can affect us all at some point in our life. Having a frequent physical activity has immediate benefits to our mental health. We believe in 'a Healthy mind is in a healthy body and we would like to share our experience with others.
The group young climbers consisted of (9) Qataris they are: Aisha Ahmad Al Naama, Aisha Khalid Al Naama, Mohammed Khalid Al Naama, Dana Al Mannai, Maryam Al Thani, Ali Al Mulla, Khalid Al Ajmi, Fahad Badar, Abdullah Al Jabri, and one resident of Qatar Pierre Daniel.
As with many formidable challenges people undertake throughout life, climbing Mount Elbrus was a test of oneself, exhilaration and sense of accomplishment. The group are passionate about raising awareness and plan to use the climb as a platform to attract the public's attention to the importance of mental health and wellbeing, reducing the stigma and negative judgement associated with mental illness.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every four people will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Mental health disorders is now one of the leading causes of mental illness and disability in the world, with an estimate of 450 million people suffering from it.
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