Taboo of psychologist keeping depressed away from treatment in UAE

Mental well-being is defined by the World Health Organization as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.

Apart from biological and geopolitical variables, factors that can challenge this well-being are rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, and unhealthy lifestyle.

"The UAE is not immune to these challenges," writes Isis Badawi, Head of Psychology at the Behavioral Sciences Pavilion - Shaikh Khalifa Medical City in this years' May edition of The UAE Psychologist.

"In the UAE, most of us are fortunate to have our basic needs met. It is the more intangible needs of positive self-esteem, freedom of self-expression, emotional connection, a sense of belonging, opportunities for growth and self-actualization that might not be fully realized."

Worldwide 450 million people are estimated to suffer from mental illness and many more are dealing with mental or emotional problems. Although numbers are not available for the UAE, issues related to mental health are prevalent. Yet the problem has not received the attention it deserves, think experts.

"Studies report that up to 80 percent will never receive the treatment they need. The UAE, like any nation, has its share of people living with the challenge of mental illness. As many psychologists across the globe have seen firsthand, the lack of information and stigma are the primary reasons that prevent many from seeking help for children or adults who need mental health care, writes Isis.

Seeking help when mentally unbalanced is for many an unusual step to take. Apart from embarrassment about or denial of one's mental well-being, there are many misconceptions about the science of psychology.

"Some of the common misconceptions about psychology are that “it is merely common sense,” or that “it is not very useful to the society,” or even that “it is not scientific,” writes Amber Haque, Department of Psychology and Counseling, UAEU in the December 2011 issue of The UAE Psychologist.

Looking at the history of psychology shows that some great Islamic scholars stood at the forefront of the development of psychology as a science. The famous scholar Al Kindi elaborated on cognitive strategies to combat depression in the 9th century. Ibn Sina wrote excellent thesis about the mind-body relationship a century later and it was Al Balkhi who probably first classified neurotic disorders.

But anno 2012 the science does not receive the same attention. "The discipline is still very much behind in this part of the world and area psychologists need to promote is in the interest of the larger society," writes Amber.

"We, as psychologists living and working in the UAE, have a responsibility towards our community and our profession to do what we can to contribute to the promotion of mental and emotional health," adds Issa.

"Our role is twofold: to address mechanisms of prevention and promotion of wellness on the one hand, and to advocate on behalf of the mentally ill and to provide education and support to reduce stigma and encourage treatment on the other."

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