Free guide to better mental health

ABU DHABI // A series of free monthly public lectures beginning this Tuesday aims to give people an insight into psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and unhappiness within the family. The first lecture, dealing with "psychological health and the problems of the modern man", will be held in the auditorium of the Behavioural Science Pavilion, the psychiatric facility at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre.

The facility will organise a lecture on the first Tuesday of each month until August in an attempt raise awareness about mental health. "Studies have shown that the majority of people do not really know, and some of them even neglect, their psychological situation, as long as there is no physical pain mentioned," said Dr Atul Mehta, the centre's chief medical officer. "Therefore, the need for continuous education and public awareness such as the mental health awareness programme is vital."

The lectures, which will be in Arabic, will discuss social problems in the workplace and within the family, dealing with emotions, and psychological problems such as stress, insomnia, inability to focus and absent-mindedness. They will also touch upon mental illnesses and problems with addiction, as well as problems in marriage, in raising teenagers and children, how to deal with depression and anxiety.

"Through proper education and public awareness, we envision the creation of a mentally and psychologically healthier community in Abu Dhabi, where each individual has the right and the opportunity to live a full, healthier and productive life," Dr Maha al Amri, the director of Behavioural Science Pavilion, said. Dr Tarek Darwish, the medical director of the pavilion, said the lectures would be geared to people of all ages.

"We want everyone to attend these health talks to help raise their awareness about mental health," he said. The first lecture, to be delivered by Dr Mufeed Raouf, will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm, including a question-and-answer session. hkhalaf@thenational.ae