Daam organises event for World Mental Health Day

Dubai: Mental health awareness in the workplace has become increasingly crucial, yet a lingering concern persists among employees. The hesitation to openly discuss personal mental health struggles often stems from the fear that doing so could alter colleagues' and managers' perceptions. These employees worry that a known diagnosis might lead to reduced trust in handling demanding tasks, missed promotion opportunities, or even being perceived as less resilient.

While some prefer to keep their mental health private, others express legitimate concerns about how disclosure might influence professional relationships, potentially leading to unfounded assumptions about their capabilities. The UAE's mental health law offers confidentiality protections for psychiatric patients, but these safeguards should not be mistaken for a lack of stigma.

Counselling Psychologist Katrina Spartalis emphasizes that while openness about mental health is encouraged, it should remain an invitation rather than a requirement. Employees must be allowed to maintain boundaries around their mental health, just as they would with physical health, relationships, and family circumstances. Managers should approach struggling employees with neutral observations, focusing on neutral facts instead of making assumptions about their health.