This article discusses the state of mental health services and perceptions in Oman, highlighting a growing need for support alongside significant societal barriers. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Growing Need for Mental Health Support:
Increased Visits: Psychiatric clinics in Oman saw a significant rise in patient visits in 2022, reaching 108,000, an 8% increase from the previous year.
new Patients: The number of first-time psychiatric clinic visitors also increased from 13,000 in 2021 to 15,000 in 2022.
The Complicated Reality Behind the Numbers:
Underestimation of the Problem: Psychologists believe the reported numbers don’t reflect the true extent of mental health issues, as many individuals hesitate to seek help.
Late Presentation: Many patients seek help only when their conditions have considerably worsened, indicating a delay in accessing care.
Shortage of Psychologists: A critical shortage of qualified psychologists is a major impediment to meeting the growing demand for services.
The “Price of Silence” – Stigma and its Consequences:
Societal Obstacle: The stigma surrounding psychotherapy is a significant barrier, preventing individuals from seeking necessary healing.
Personal Impact: Fatima Al-amiriya‘s story illustrates how fear of societal judgment can outweigh personal pain, leading to delayed treatment and lost opportunities for recovery.
Family impact: The suffering extends to families, who often face mental health challenges in silence due to fear and a desire to protect their reputation, ultimately exacerbating the patient’s condition.
paradox of Protection: Society’s efforts to protect its image and families’ attempts to preserve their reputation come at the cost of individual health and well-being. Every day of delayed help due to fear is a missed opportunity for treatment.Steps on the Path of Hope – Initiatives and Efforts:
Awareness Campaigns: Young people like Hamad al-Hadrami are leading awareness campaigns in universities to encourage open discussions about psychological health.
Institutional Efforts: There are initiatives to improve mental health services in work environments, emphasizing the need for safe, confidential, and non-judgmental psychological clinics.
Media’s Role: Dr. Nawal highlights the media’s significant influence, both positive and negative, on shaping perceptions of mental health.Positive impacts include spreading awareness, education, breaking isolation, and enhancing support.
Persistent Obstacles:
Shortage of Qualified Professionals: The lack of qualified psychologists remains a critical challenge, hindering the ability to meet increasing needs.
Specific Group Difficulties: Certain age and social groups face greater challenges in accepting psychotherapy due to cultural factors, social stigma, and personal beliefs.
The Call for a Revolution in Thinking:
Beyond Lectures: Addressing the stigma requires more then just educational lectures; it necessitates a essential shift in societal thinking. Action and Tangible Change: the article emphasizes that knowledge and awareness are useless if not translated into action and tangible change in people’s lives and society.
* Mental Health as a Foundation: Psychological health is presented not as an option or a luxury, but as the fundamental basis for all aspects of life, crucial for societal growth and thriving, just as a solid foundation is essential for a building.
In essence, the article paints a picture of a society in Oman grappling with a rising mental health crisis, where increased demand for services is met with significant societal stigma and a shortage of professionals. It calls for a collective effort to break down these barriers and prioritize psychological well-being as a cornerstone of individual and societal health.