Qatar’s expansion of mental health services and improved access to care has enabled the healthcare system to meet the increased demand for professional mental health support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10, has come at a time when daily lives of people have changed considerably due to COVID-19.
The pandemic has resulted in a deterioration in mental health and wellbeing of many people. For students and adolescents, the challenges include adapting to taking classes mostly from home, with little contact with teachers and friends, and anxious about their future. COVID-19 has broken barriers and created more awareness on mental health.
In this context, the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Sidra Medicine, and Naufar launched a mental health and wellbeing awareness campaign under the theme ‘Are you OK’ aimed at encouraging people to talk more openly about their emotional wellbeing.
Dr. Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, Deputy National Lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing and Executive Director of Operations at PHCC, said: “COVID-19 has changed many aspects the way we live our normal lives and has affected many people’s emotional health as well as their physical health. So it is now more important than ever that people feel comfortable talking openly about feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness. By asking ‘Are you OK’, and asking in the right way, you can help to start a conversation with someone who may be finding it difficult to speak openly about their struggles.”
The launch of the mental health helpline in April 2020 has proven to be immensely successful with people of all ages and nationalities looking for advice on coping with stress, anxiety and depression. Since its launch, the free and confidential national mental health helpline has handled more than 12,500 calls. This is in addition to the launch of mental health virtual consultations across the healthcare system which enabled greater access to care. Many people prefer the helpline, especially individuals who are concerned about stigma.
The mental health of a person is the foundation for physical health. When you provide hope, you help people to move forward. The need of the hour is to maintain a positive attitude, practice self care, surround oneself with optimistic people and indulge in activities that help relieve stress. Getting enough sleep, maintaining fitness and eating a healthy diet also promotes good mental health. It is unquestionable that mental health is a human right and thus, now more than ever, it’s time for mental health for all.
