Discussion sessions in Dubai to promote mental health awareness

The Community Development Authority in Dubai organized a series of events and lectures aimed at raising awareness of the importance of mental health and its significant impact on the stability of society, and improving the quality the lives of its members, focusing on the importance of mental health. supporting groups most vulnerable to mental health challenges, to coincide with Family Mental Health Week.

These events come within the framework of the Authority’s ongoing efforts to shed light on mental health as an essential element in achieving psychological and social balance for members of society and the role of this in increasing their power and personal development.

The activities included discussion sessions focused on enabling individuals and families to gain a deeper understanding of mental health, and how to promote it in children and young people Dr Hala Al-Ablam gave a lecture entitled “How your child enjoys mental health” discussing practical strategies to increase mental health in children, as well as reviewing several practical cases that provided innovative solutions to support children in dealing with cognitive challenges.

The events saw the organization of a workshop titled “Your Mental Health is Our Goal,” presented by Dr. Nadia Buhannad, who aimed to introduce several effective tools to support personal mental health. The workshop also included interactive activities that helped participants better understand how to improve their mental health due to daily stress.

As part of its willingness to involve young people and increase their role in raising awareness of the importance of mental health, the Authority’s activities included a youth dialogue session entitled “Stigma Psychology,” in which several experts and specialists participated in an open discussion. to discuss this sensitive social issue.

Under the leadership of Ms. Naima Al Shamsi, Director of the Community Development Authority’s Confidential Development Department, and with the participation of Dr. Mahra Al Malik and Dr. Hala Al Ablam, the participants discussed the causes of stigma related to mental health. and how to deal with it, while at the same time giving insight into the importance of community communication to mitigate the effects of this stigma.

Naima Al Shamsi pointed out that mental health plays an important role in the stability of individuals and society. Stating that the aim of organizing these events is to raise community awareness of the importance of supporting mental health, and to provide tools and information to help families and individuals half overcome the mental challenges they may face.

She said: “The Community Development Authority is committed to providing the necessary support to individuals and families, particularly those most at risk, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and children who are vulnerable to crime, as part of comprehensive strategies aimed at increasing their psychological resilience and the ability to face challenges, which contribute to improving their quality of life and support cohesion and development.”