DHCC promotes mental wellbeing with community talks program

UAE — Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) has seized the occasion of World Mental Health Day to introduce its latest endeavor, the ‘DHCC Mental Wellbeing Community Talks Programme.’

This initiative aims to foster awareness about the significance of mental health by encouraging open conversations on the subject.

The ‘DHCC Mental Wellbeing Community Talks Programme’ serves as a platform for members of the DHCC community, as well as the general public, to come together and engage in discussions about mental health, share their insights, and recount personal experiences.

This initiative builds upon the foundation of the Mental Health Programme initiated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) in 2018.

The DHCA, the governing body of DHCC, launched this program to align with the UAE Government’s commitment to enhance the mental wellbeing of both the youth and adults in the nation.

The freshly introduced initiative seeks to empower diverse communities in Dubai to enhance their mental health and overall wellbeing.

In partnership with the American Wellness Center, this initiative will span six months and encompass community-centric gatherings hosted in the Society within DHCC.

The American Wellness Center, a long-standing business partner of DHCC since 2013, is home to over 40 mental health professionals known for delivering top-tier services.

Kawthar Kazim, Vice President Business Support at DHCA, highlighted, “DHCC’s ecosystem houses more than 20 mental health facilities, staffed by specialized mental healthcare experts from around the world. They possess the necessary skillsets to address the ever-growing healthcare needs of Dubai’s communities.”

Dr. Muhammad Tahir, Chairman of the Board at the American Wellness Center in DHCC, emphasized the importance of engaging residents through community-oriented sessions.

He stressed that this approach is pivotal in dispelling the stigma surrounding mental health and raising awareness about the various therapeutic options available in the emirate.

While significant strides have been made in supporting mental health and individual wellbeing, studies reveal that a burden of social stigma still deters patients from seeking psychological services in the UAE.

To combat this issue, Ministry Of Health And Prevention (MOHAP) launched the ‘Hayat’ program, providing mental health support during the pandemic.

Additionally, the National Programme for Happiness and Wellbeing has established a dedicated telephone counseling hotline to assist those with psychological concerns or anxiety.

Private clinics like The LightHouse Arabia also offer free psychologist-led support sessions for the community, low-cost group treatments, and practical webinars and skill-building workshops.

These resources equip people with the skills needed to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms.

The world of virtual healthcare has gained popularity as many patients opt for online support from therapists in other countries when suitable therapists are scarce in their cities. Individuals are recognizing the benefits of in-person therapy after engaging in virtual therapy sessions during COVID-19.

Virtual healthcare, with its unique advantages, caters to specific therapy types and clients. It has played a crucial role in helping people cope with the challenges of lockdowns during the pandemic’s peak and enabled them to stay connected with their therapeutic processes, regardless of their location.

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