Mental health is an integral part of overall good health. Help is available for all those that need it.
We can all feel a bit low at times, coping with the normal emotional ups and downs of life, or having that feeling of just being a little bit off.
However, sometimes it is more than ‘off’ – it can be a feeling of overwhelming sadness or grief, something that no one else will understand and that you feel embarrassed talking about.
Mental health is still considered taboo, especially when compared to physical illness, but gradually the situation is improving. Health services are increasing, employers are recognising the need to discuss openly in the workplace, and schools are offering counselling to students.
A person may feel a change in mental health due to a number of reasons. Changes in everyday life – bereavement of a family member, friend or pet, suffering a job loss or an injury – can sometimes lead to a change in mental state. For example, it is thought that postnatal depression can occur in 25% of women following childbirth.
Some people suffer confusion, especially older people, which may be due to a dementia-related condition such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, it can also be caused by a head injury, an existing or undetected medical condition, reactions to prescribed medication, or intoxication from alcohol and non-prescribed/illegal drugs.
There are two global initiatives that aim to increase awareness of mental health through education and which advocate against social stigma. Since 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) has collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health for World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on 10 September each year.
World Mental Health Day, observed on 10 October, further aims to raise awareness of mental health issues. It began in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global non-governmental organisation with members in more than 150 countries. It is recognised by the United Nations and WHO.
The theme for World Mental Health Day in 2021 focused on the major impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, were particularly affected. Services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders were also significantly disrupted. In 2022 and 2023, the themes have centred around making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority, and for mental health to be treated equally with physical health.
Many of those who experience mental health difficulties turn to the support of family and friends. Further support can be given by a family doctor, and additional help is often available from community mental health services.
Seeking help in Qatar
According to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), one in five people in Qatar will experience a mental illness at some stage of their life.
Law No 16 of 2016 on the rights of patients with mental illness defines the rights of citizens and residents regarding their mental health treatment. It includes details about where and how patients can be treated, including those that may be treated without their consent (known as compulsory admission). The law offers full protection for patients seeking mental healthcare services in Qatar.
Specialist care and intervention are widely available from HMC. Their Mental Health Service initiative has seen a number of developments, which started under the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy (QNMHS) 2013–2018 and which progressed into the Mental Health Strategic Framework (MHSF) 2018–2022. Both policies were aligned with the WHO Global Mental Health Action Plan (2013–2022).
Under QNMHS and MHSF there has been an expansion of existing services, and the introduction of new services and new facilities to provide the best possible mental healthcare. The Mental Health Service at HMC is committed to promoting good mental health and wellbeing, offering effective treatment and providing care.
HMC recommends those seeking professional help should initially visit their local primary healthcare centre. Here the doctor will be able to refer you should further assessment and diagnosis be required. These assessments will determine the nature of the illness and the right type of care and treatment that should be provided. Many patients receive this in the community, but other options may be offered.
The Consultation and Liaison Service offered by HMC provides psychological support and counselling for patients who are being treated for other conditions within HMC hospitals. For example, patients being treated for cancer have experienced severe trauma or a new mother may be suffering from post-natal depression. The Consultation and Liaison team are based at a number of sites, including Hamad General Hospital, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Al Khor Hospital and Al Wakra Hospital.
The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service is a multi-disciplinary service for children and young people up to the age of 18. Referrals can be made by a doctor or a school, and the facility is located in Muaither, offering a number of specialist services to children and young people, and also their families and carers.
For more information, visit hamad.qa and click on Hospitals and Services for the HMC Mental Health Service. Alternatively, call Nesma’ak 16060 or email [email protected]
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has a national campaign called ‘Are you ok?’. It is a free and confidential mental health helpline for anyone feeling low, anxious or depressed – call 16000 to get help.
- Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC)
- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
- Sidra Medicine
- Naufar Wellness and Recovery
Seha Nafsia
Extensive information regarding mental health can be found at sehanafsia.moph.gov.qa, an initiative run by MoPH to provide information to the public about wellbeing, mental health conditions and how to access services in Qatar.
The website sehanafsia.moph.gov.qa is an initiative of the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy (2013-2018). Objective 1 of the strategy pledges to raise public awareness about mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and make mental health information resources widely available for the public.
Launched in 2018, Qatar’s first mental health website – ‘Your Mind Matters’ in Arabic – provides public information about wellbeing, mental health conditions and how to access services in Qatar. sehanafsia.moph.gov.qa has been tailored to respond to the specific needs of people living in Qatar as informed by local research. The Mental Health Attitudes and Awareness Baseline Measure undertaken in 2015 revealed that the majority of respondents (81%) would seek mental health and wellbeing information online as a first step.
Sidra Medicine
The Department of Psychiatry at Sidra Medicine provides world class excellence in clinical care, teaching and education and biomedical research for the women and children of Qatar. Their mission is to improve the quality of mental health services in Qatar by putting the service user and their families at the centre of their care. Department of Psychiatry has two divisions: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAMHS), and Perinatal Mental Health. Both divisions have world-class doctors, psychologists, nurses and support staff who provide outstanding clinical care to children, women and families. Their faculty is involved in number of cutting edge research projects including autism, ADHD, perinatal depression and anxiety, genetics, neuroimaging and interface of psychiatric issues with chronic medical illness.
For more information, call 4003 3333 or visit sidra.org
Other mental health hospitals, clinics and centres
Al Ahli Hospital
One of Qatar’s largest private hospitals, Al Ahli Hospital has a psychiatry clinic, which provides help not only through medication, but also through psychotherapy, which deals with thoughts and behaviour modification in coping with stress. Their services are provided for adults, children and adolescents, and the elderly, either at the department or through home visits. Their services are extended to provide consultations for personal and family problems.
For more information, call 4489 8888 or visit ahlihospital.com
Al Emadi Hospital
Also one of Qatar’s largest private hospitals, Al Emadi Hospital has psychiatric doctors who evaluate and treat mental health illnesses such as anxiety, major depressive and obsessive compulsive disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleeping disorders, behavioural disorders, marital problems and marital therapy, and family troubles and family therapy.
For more information, call 4477 6444 or visit alemadihospital.com.qa
Doha Clinic Hospital
Doha Clinic Hospital’s Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic treats adults with various mental health problems with comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, and offers diagnoses.
For more information, call 4438 4333 or visit dohaclinichospital.com
Naseem Medical Centre
The division of Psychiatry in Naseem Medical Centre, formerly known as Naseem Al Rabeeh Medical Centre, is a branch of medical science based on the diagnosis, treatment and interception of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders. Their clinical service aims to improve services by bringing new ways to provide highly specialised care to the most complex patients.
For more information, call the branch you would like to attend or visit naseem.qa
The International Medical Centre
Psychiatry services at The International Medical Centre provides evaluation and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, addiction, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioural disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, adult ADHD, personality disorders (including EUPD/BPD), psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
For more information, call 4488 4292, 6644 4282, or 5118 3907 (WhatsApp), or visit theimcentre.com
The Turkish Hospital
The Psychiatry Clinic of the Turkish Hospital provides comprehensive mental health assessments and treatments for children, adolescents, and elderly people. The clinic diagnoses and treats general psychiatric disorders such as depression and mood disorder; schizophrenia; anxiety disorders include panic, social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias; psychosexual; psychosomatic; attention deficit hyperactivity; nocturnal enuresis; and substance use disorders. After a comprehensive evaluation, the psychiatry clinic provides medication where necessary. In addition, when required, doctors provide therapy such as individual therapy, couple/family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and sexual therapy.
For more information, call 4499 2444 or visit turkishhospitals.com
WEYAK (Mental Health Friends Association)
Also known as the Mental Health Friends Association, Weyak was established to help those suffering from various mental health illnesses in Qatar. Through online and telephone counselling, it provides free counselling services to anyone seeking help, whether the person is suffering from a mental health illness, or for a caregiver of someone who is suffering from a mental health illness. Callers are not required to identify themselves.
For more information, call 5001 3946 or 4487 8766/8799, or visit weyak.qa
Other private centres:
- Dr Aju Abraham Medical Center, 4436 5051, drajusclinic.com
- Al Sanabel Specialised Psychiatric Center, 7008 3700, alsanabel.qa
Alcoholics Anonymous Qatar (AAQ)
If you’re struggling with unhealthy alcohol use, lifestyle support is also available in Qatar from Alcoholics Anonymous Qatar (AAQ), 3355 0803 (males), 5559 7512 (females) or visit aaqatar.org
Mental health difficulties can present in many different ways:
- Mood changes – from very happy to very sad, maybe in a short space of time
- Feeling sad, anxious, fearful or angry
- Feeling physical distress
- Having suicidal thoughts
- Wanting to self-harm
- Wanting to harm others
If you have any of these feelings for the first time, or if an existing problem is getting worse, it is vital that you seek help.
In an emergency, patients should go to the Emergency Department at Hamad General Hospital, Al Wakra Hospital or Al Khor Hospital.
Tips and advice to boost mental health
Having good physical health can lead to better emotional and mental wellbeing. If you are suffering from depression, stress or anxiety, there are a number of resources offering practical tips and advice.
HMC’s website hamad.qa has links to reference sites for international groups such as the UK’s NHS, The National Institute of Mental Health in the US, and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, which offer a wealth of resources.
For more information about mental health services, visit hamad.qa, call Nesma’ak on 16060 or the mental health helpline on 16000
For other medical services, clink the link below
Authors: Sarah Palmer and Ola Diab
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