HSE urges people reach out on World Mental Health Day

Maintaining a busy schedule and meeting work, family, and personal obligations can create an illusion of stability. However, people may continue to manage their responsibilities while grappling with anxiety, constant stress, low spirits, or feelings of isolation. Mental health experts stress the importance of acknowledging emotional struggles as soon as they arise and making practical adjustments to daily routines.

According to the World Health Organization’s 2025 statistics, over a billion individuals worldwide grapple with mental health issues, with anxiety and depression being the most prevalent.

Nargiza Noimann Zander, a clinical psychologist and founder of X-Technology, points out that UAE residents often contend with demanding work hours, financial burdens, job insecurity, and the difficulties of living apart from family. The expectation to always appear productive and accessible can obscure emotional distress. She advises recognizing ongoing symptoms like persistent sleep disturbances or shifts in everyday functioning instead of judging one's well-being solely by accomplishments.

Zander recommends setting limits on work-related communications, jotting down pending tasks before concluding work, and scheduling practical periods for recuperation.

When supporting a struggling individual, Zander suggests inquiring, "You seem more distant lately. How have you been feeling?" Active listening and offering concrete assistance, such as childcare aid or accompanying someone to a medical visit, can facilitate their acceptance of help. Long-lasting low mood or a loss of interest spanning two weeks warrants professional evaluation, although severe symptoms should prompt assistance sooner.

Wissam Al Massadeh, a psychologist at Medcare Camali Clinic, notes that mental health concerns can afflict individuals of any age, albeit the pressures they encounter vary. Young adults may wrestle with academic demands and career uncertainties, while working professionals often juggle employment, finances, and family responsibilities.

Older adults might face loneliness, declining health, or significant life changes. Social media can exacerbate this pressure by prompting comparisons with idealized portrayals of others' lives. Massadeh emphasizes that mental health disorders typically emerge from a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Signs to watch for include persistent sadness, excessive worry, changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from loved ones, and a loss of interest in formerly enjoyable pursuits. Individuals should not dismiss these challenges or assume they must navigate them independently. "People should not wait until they reach a crisis point before seeking assistance," Massadeh advises.

He encourages families to foster an atmosphere where mental health can be openly discussed without judgment, thereby aiding individuals in seeking professional support when symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning.

Lorelei Rowe, a psychologist at Mayo Clinic, elaborates that mental health is shaped by a combination of genetics, stressful life events, and environmental factors. Chronic stress can impact both physical and emotional well-being, leading to fatigue, shifts in immune response, and emotional turmoil. She underscores the importance of supportive relationships, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and engaging in activities that bring joy or a sense of purpose.

Rowe warns against attempting to excel in all facets of life simultaneously, suggesting that getting sufficient rest, engaging in self-care, maintaining social connections, and pursuing fulfilling activities are paramount to preserving overall well-being.

When someone appears distressed, Rowe advises listening attentively and asking what type of support they require instead of hastily attempting to resolve their issues. Significant behavioral changes, ongoing distress, or difficulties with daily activities may signal that professional aid is necessary. A healthcare provider can assess symptoms and determine whether a referral to a mental health specialist is warranted.

Any mention of suicide or self-harm must be taken seriously, and immediate assistance should be sought by contacting emergency services.

The consensus among these experts is that maintaining daily obligations does not inherently indicate emotional health. Pervasive modifications in mood, sleep, concentration, or behavior merit attention, particularly when they start affecting work, relationships, or routine activities. Consulting a doctor or licensed mental health professional can help individuals comprehend their experiences and identify suitable care.

For UAE residents managing work, family, and personal commitments, safeguarding mental well-being begins with recognizing when pressure has reached untenable levels. One should not wait until coping becomes impossible to seek aid.