Doha: As part of an ongoing campaign in support of Qatar’s National Mental Health Strategy, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Psychiatry Department is encouraging the public to learn more about mental health and why it is as important as physical health.
World Health Organisation says mental illness can affect anyone at any age in any social circumstances. According to the latest research in Qatar, one in five people will be affected by mental illness at some stage of their lives.
Mental illness is inclusive of a wide range of conditions, including anxiety and depression, which are two of the most common.
Dr Hazem Hashem, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, HMC, stressed that people must recognise that mental health is something that should be taken seriously by making adaptations to their lives to promote good mental health as they do with physical health. “Over the last 10 years, the trend of assuming responsibility for our health has grown dramatically.
“Many people take control of their health by making healthier choices about food, stopping smoking and participating in regular exercise, because they recognise that this is beneficial to their health,” said Dr Hashem.
“What people often don’t realise is that there are things you can do to maintain your mental health and that physical and mental health are inextricably linked.
“There are a number of ‘risk factors’ linked to mental illness. Recognising risk factors can enable us to protect ourselves; for example, ensuring a good night’s sleep, doing regular exercises and eating healthily are not only recommendations for maintaining our weight, they also have positive effects on our mind – so you have twice the reason to do it.”
Dr Hashem said it is important for people to recognise that mental illness is something that can affect them at some stage of their lives, and if it does, it is not a sign of weakness or anything to be ashamed of; it is an illness like any other ailment that requires intervention.
“People need to know that mental illness is not something that happens because of specific circumstances – this is a dangerous misconception that leads people to feel ashamed, to not recognise that they are ill and, to not seek treatment or help.”
Dr Hashem said there are many types of mental illnesses, ranging from mild, which are the most common, to severe. “It is important to recognise changes early and seek advice. Mental illness is treatable and manageable and recognising your illness, or an escalation in certain symptoms, as early as possible and seeking advice or treatment is the best way of getting better,” he added.
The Peninsula
