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Residents can seek free counseling or call to resolve concerns, says top health official
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A senior medical official in Abu Dhabi said higher awareness, successful sport and skills-enhancing programmes, easier access to treatment and free counseling had enabled those affected to overcome the stigma of mental illness and increasingly seek help.
Leading professionals from the UAE and abroad will attend the 3rd Abu Dhabi General Mental Health Conference, hosted by Services Abu Dhabi Health (SEHA) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH).
“Our mental health care model encompasses early identification, screening, prevention, education and awareness,” said Dr. Nahida Nayaz Ahmed, Consultant Psychiatrist and Department Head, Outpatient Health Services harrij times in the interview.
Dr Ahmed, chair of SEHA’s Behavioral Health Committee, emphasized that we are trying to be more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to mental health.
“Early identification through screening is important. We have improved the skills of primary care providers to recognize mental health, mental illness-related red flags, screen for them early, and intervene in mild to moderate cases. In early intervention and There will be a lot of emphasis on prevention,” Dr Ahmed said, noting that the care provided has been standardized across the network of healthcare facilities.
“When you see your primary care doctor, you’re asked to fill out a questionnaire. Based on your answers, the doctor can identify the patient based on a depression or anxiety score. The higher the score, the earlier intervention is needed,” Ahmad said. Dr De said he is also the chairperson of the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Working Group.
Dr Ahmed highlighted the important role played by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in raising awareness among community members and educating them on the importance of early treatment.
Another initiative that has really made a difference is the Estijabah Helpline.
“You can ask for free advice. You can ask for help. If you have questions or have any questions, please call.”
symptoms, causes of mental illness
“It starts with pushing your limits, taking more stress and falling into a burnout that goes on for a long time and it starts affecting the way you sleep, eat, talk to people, avoid them, avoid anything that can happen Things that bring you joy. Like you go out to the movies and hang out with friends, but when you’re depressed, you don’t. So, you’re more isolated. It starts affecting your work. I know a lot of my patients Both force themselves to go to work. They hate getting up every morning. So, these are red flags. If you have any of these symptoms, then let’s talk.”
The number of cases has increased exponentially
Dr Ahmed emphasized that people are finding it difficult to re-adapt after following a certain lifestyle during the pandemic.
“Some of them went through the personal loss and trauma of hospitalization. So, coming back now, they had high levels of anxiety. In some cases, they had high levels of depression. One in five were affected. “
Dr Ahmed said the number of cases of mental health problems post-Covid-19 has been high.
“Before and after Covid-19, that number has grown exponentially. But the other good thing is, maybe they’re suffering and they don’t realize it. There’s more access and awareness now. People are coming out and saying: ‘Yes, I need help’. I started seeing more and more people knocking on my door saying, ‘something is wrong with me’. It was a huge change like never before.”
Dr Ahmed emphasized that more and more people have overcome the stigma associated with mental health.
“Earlier people were very stigmatized or ashamed about asking for help, but now they’re coming out and saying I don’t care. So, because of all the campaigning and awareness, the stigma has decreased. So, those are the positive changes we’re seeing.”
The two-day conference features key speakers from the UAE, Lebanon, US, UK, Uganda, Germany, Canada and Australia and will conclude on Saturday.
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