She is Arab raises mental health awareness

She is Arab raises mental health awareness

DUBAI: On the occasion of International Women's Day, this year held under the theme 'Choose to Challenge,' She is Arab, the first platform dedicated to increasing the representation of Arab women in business leadership and at speaking events, held a webinar on the importance of mental health. The panel discussion featured prominent speakers from the Arab region.

Rania Atalla, Mental Health Specialist and Psychotherapist, moderated the session, held under this year's IWD theme 'Choose to Challenge'. Panelists included Sheikha Intisar Al-Sabah, Founder of Intisar Foundation from Kuwait, Sayyida Basma Al-Said, Mental Health Specialist and Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic from Oman, and Dr Mariam Ketait, Founder of Ebb & Flow from the UAE.

The 90-minute conversation explored the diversity of the Middle East and the issues of relevance to mental health and overall wellbeing in the region. The participants called for focused and targeted efforts in responding to specific needs facing Arab men and women living through these realities.

Anxiety, depression, and myriad other conditions have been on the rise in the Middle East. However, the culture surrounding mental health in the region is full of misconceptions, prejudice, and judgment stemming from religion, tradition, and family, among others. The talk highlighted the