Today, October 10, marks World Mental Health Day, an important day to raise awareness about mental struggles, disorders and wellbeing. The GCC region is abundant with mental wellbeing initiatives and advocates for the cause. Women in the MENA are making their mark by speaking up about wellbeing and raising awareness.
Below, GRAZIA brings you a list of four women in the GCV who are contributing positively to mental health awareness one step at a time.
HH Sayyida Basma Al Said
HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, a clinical counselor and hypnotist who specializes in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, established the first mental health center in Oman in 2012. She supports innovative approaches to mental health care, such as art therapy. Her clinic also founded the anti-bullying organization Young Minds and is in charge of @notaloneoman, a campaign to increase awareness of mental concerns throughout the Sultanate.
DR. SALIHA AFRIDI
In the UAE, Dr. Saliha Afridi is a leader in promoting mental wellness awareness. She became one of the powerful women in the field of mental health in 2011 when she co-founded The Lighthouse Arabia. Her objective was to significantly improve the lives of the local families and residents of the area. She introduced the renowned Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program to the UAE in 2017 to address a crucial knowledge gap in mental wellness.
Diane Farah
A mental wellness community has been established by UAE-based filmmaker and campaigner Diane Farah. The aim is to support those who lack access to affordable mental health care. Ask Me How I’m Really Doing is an online community, spotlighting platforms that provide affordable counseling from therapists in MENA. Some of the hourly prices start at just $12 USD. Handled by volunteers and community initiatives, the program is a non-profit organization.
Amna Al Haddad
Amna Al Haddad is a well-known inspiring figure who is an authority on women’s sports and advocate for mental health. She is a self-made sports pioneer. An Olympic weightlifter from the UAE who helped the nation qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics, renowned for shattering the glass ceiling. As she describes, she is “a champion for change” and is frequently called to participate on panels to talk about subjects including sports, mental health, female empowerment and more.
