(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Building on the success of last year, more than 25 organisations across Qatar have joined the“Are You OK?” campaign to promote mental health and wellbeing.
The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Primary health care Corporation (PHCC), Sidra Medicine, Naufar and Qatar Red Crescent re-activated the campaign this year to coincide with World Mental Health Day 2021, observed on October 10.
The campaign is aimed at encouraging people to talk more openly about their emotional wellbeing. As part of the campaign, the Ministry has posted a video on social media, in which local healthcare experts are encouraging everyone to begin a conversation with loved ones about their mental health and wellbeing.
“At some point in our lives many of us will suffer from stress, anxiety or feelings of sadness, these feelings are in fact normal and often pass quickly,” said Iain Francis Tulley, Chief Executive, Mental Health Service, at HMC.
“By asking a relative, friend or colleague 'Are you OK?', and by asking it in the right way, this can help to start a conversation with someone we care about who may be finding it difficult to speak openly about their struggles,” he said.
He and other healthcare leaders encourage people to start a conversation about mental wellbeing and seek professional help if needed.
“For some people, these feelings persist and keep an impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Most people with mental health issues manage with simple lifestyle modifications, but some people may need more support from the experts,” said Director of Public Health at MoPH, Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al Thani.
Deputy National Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing and Executive Director of Operations at PHCC, Dr. Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla; Division Chief Women's Mental Health for Department of Psychiatry at Sidra Medicine, Dr Felice Watt; and Naufar expert, Maysa Al Emadi, were also featured in the video spreading the message. “Through October, let's make an extra effort to talk to people who may be struggling and ask them 'Are you OK?'” said Dr. Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla.
According to Dr Felice Watt,“Are you OK?” campaign seeks primarily to attract and drive as many members of the community to combat the stigma and talk about their mental health, as this is the first step to enhance awareness of how to deal with the pressures of daily life and avoid anxiety and stress, as well as interact with others and make good decisions.
In recent years, the healthcare sector has significantly expanded services and improved access to mental health services, enabling it to meet increased demand for mental health support.
The launch of the mental health helpline in April 2020 has been one of the most impactful developments in recent years. Since its launch, the confidential helpline has handled over 35,000 calls.
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