Destigmatising mental health: All you need to know about seeking treatment

Mental health is still a taboo topic within many cultures, but treatment is the best way forward

With fear, anxiety and stress increasingly growing throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, many cannot cope with daily life and the uncertainty of the unknown.

It is normal and understandable that people are experiencing fear in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, in addition to experiencing mental health issues that may not have been as prevalent before. Combating mental health issues may be daunting.

In a recent interview with specialist psychiatrists Dr Hanan Kandil at Zulekha Hospital Dubai and Dr Ammu Thulaseedharan from Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, they shared insightful knowledge and advice about destigmatising mental health and seeking treatment.

Is mental health considered a taboo topic amongst certain cultures?

Yes, mental health is still a taboo topic within many cultures due to the stigma of being a psychiatrist patient. Doctors are often faced with situations where children seek help and are met with disapproval from parents, grandparents, or elders.

Are people embarrassed to seek help to improve their mental health?

In some cases, people are ashamed to seek help or admit that they have a mental illness. Many people believe that there is a stigma attached to someone who is seeking psychological or psychiatric help. People view this as being mentally unstable; therefore, they do not choose not to seek help out of fear of being judged and stereotyped. Many people are on chronic medication and seek help from medical professionals, and having psychiatric treatment should not be viewed differently. During the pandemic, there is an increase in people seeking help for various mental illnesses and breaking the stereotype.

How can a person combat stress and worry?

According to Dr Kandil, it is essential to focus on the outcome or the solution to a problem rather than dwelling in a negative mindset. During the Covid-19 Pandemic, many employees were given pay cuts and some paychecks were less than 50% of their regular income. It is essential to find the good in a situation – the remaining 50% of the salary received in a situation like this. It is important to be appreciative and grateful as well as focus on what can be done.

Many relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and walking, atomically calms your nervous system. Being around positive people and prioritising/limiting the focus to one particular task at a time will also eradicate the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Another great technique to combat stress and worry is to stay in the moment and not focus on the future or the past. Dr Kandil is a firm believer in letting go of what you cannot change and understanding that your energy is fixed. When you waste time and energy in situations you cannot change, it will be at the expense of the tasks you can accomplish and situations you can change.

Does religion or spirituality play a significant role in the decision-making process of consulting or not consulting with a psychiatrist?

The suicide rate in countries with a religious background is less than in countries that may not be as religiously inclined. People who are spiritual or religious belief that a higher power is less likely to feel hopeless. Should they feel isolated, lonely or sad – they often believe that a bigger power changes the situation and many take comfort in knowing that. It creates hope during difficult times. According to Dr Kandel, many people have been drawn to religion and spirituality more so than before.

Is consulting with a psychologist or psychiatrist expensive?

Consulting a psychologist or psychotherapist may be costly. However, many insurance companies cover psychiatric treatment and their many initiatives and helplines that assist those in need at little to no cost. One of the Initiates is the Happy Minds mental well-being initiative that provides mental healthcare to those in need, offering a free mental health consultation.

Can mental illness be cured?