Gap between feelings of well-being and mental health issues…

Gulf Insurance Group, the leading provider of insurance services in the Middle East and North Africa, released a new report that provides a detailed analytical view of the state of well-being and mental health among individuals in the important enterprise sector with the company is based on its commitment to increasing the level of public health in the region, the Association has shown positive trends in this regard and other aspects that need improvement and is creating a support platform for placing positively to well-being in the workplace.

An opinion account

The report, which was based on a poll of participants from the Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Jordan, and was prepared by the well-known research company “YouGov” on behalf of Group Gulf Insurance, revealed the most important factors that affect levels of well-being in general, and these factors included physical and mental health The behaviors, activities, and daily habits that individuals continues as part of their daily life, which affects their health and life in general.

Although participants had a generally positive view of their perceived level of well-being, the report identified a number of challenges that a large proportion of people face in terms of mental health, which can be addressed by provides initiatives and resources that provide. additional support for them.

The first statement

In this context, Khaled Al-Hassan, Vice Chairman and CEO of Gulf Insurance Group, said: “We are proud to launch our first report on well-being and mental health, which is within framework of our commitment to increase well rates. – life and public health among all people in the Middle East and North Africa region This report gives a clear and comprehensive picture of this and identifies the areas in which we can provide support and initiatives to launch a health focused development, at a time when investing in wellness and health is increasingly important in our contemporary world.”

Diseases and mental health

Survey participants answered a set of questions about the factors that affect their general health, starting with physical ailments and medical conditions they may suffer from, such as allergies and diabetes, plus on mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety reveal the specific impact that certain life habits, behaviors, and lifestyles have on These conditions, including sleep, diet, and exercise, are factors which causes stress and the activities one does to promote mental well-being.

Communication and support tools

Al-Hassan emphasized the importance of the results published in the report, noting that 82 percent of the survey participants reported that their overall well-being is positive, while 84 percent said because their mental health is good, and 65 percent admitted that there were challenges of some kind in their mental health in the year before the vote. Al-Hassan said the survey specifically focused on the fact that 62 percent of participants who had some form of mental health challenge had self-diagnosed their condition without referring to an appropriate authority. , which presents opportunities to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of health and mental well-being and to support them at the local level. Al-Hassan noted that up to 35 percent of participants in some countries are not sure where they can seek help, which underlines the dire need to strengthen communication and support mechanisms.

Physical health

In addition to the challenges related to mental health, the report also reviews important decisions in the area of ​​physical health and lifestyle habits and behaviors, where 74 percent of participants assessed positive on their physical health, while diseases such as allergies were often reported (15 percent). ) and musculoskeletal disorders (14 percent). Lifestyle aspects showed areas for improvement and growth, with only 54 percent of participants reporting that they were getting the recommended 7 hours of sleep, and more than half indicating that they do not. ‘exercise or exercise regularly. These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to wellness that addresses both mental and physical health as well as lifestyle habits and behaviors.

Health in the workplace

The topic of mental wellbeing in the workplace emerged as another area of ​​interest and focus, with many participants expressing their desire to participate in workplace initiatives, such as regular health checks , stress management programs and mental health and wellness awareness workshops. – to be

The report identified digital tools and techniques such as mental health and fitness apps as areas where employees would be looking for more support in their workplace.

Open a constructive discussion

For her part, Laura Gerstein Alvarez, Head of the Employee Benefits Department, GIG: Al Khaleej, said: “Our report opens the door to a constructive discussion in our sector about this high level of self-diagnosis of mental health challenges, and about the best ways to ensure that everyone gets the support they need at the right time. “The findings show that more care and attention needs to be given to certain areas, but we are confident that the report will stimulate meaningful discussions and that the report will encourage new actions and measures to raise levels of well-being in the workplace across the region.”

The numbers in mental health

82 percent said their overall mood was positive.

84 percent of their mental well-being is good.

65 percent faced challenges in their mental health.

62 percent self-diagnosed without appropriate authority.

35 percent are not sure where to get help.

The numbers in physical health

74 percent rated their physical health as good.

15 percent reported illnesses

(Allergies and muscle and bone disorders).

54 percent get 7 hours of sleep.

– More than half of them do not exercise or exercise regularly.

Answers from 3,599 people from 8 countries

The survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of the group, received responses from 3,599 individuals, male and female over the age of 18, and from eight countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt and Jordan .

Participants are health insurance policy holders

Participants were either current health insurance policy holders or prospective purchasers, ensuring sample diversity and a more comprehensive representation.

All responses were collected confidentially, yet anonymously, to ensure the integrity and credibility of the data.