One in three Gulf employees report experiencing symptoms of work-related burnout, compared to the global average of one in four, according to a latest survey highlighted by a mental health expert in Bahrain, coinciding with World Mental Health Day tomorrow.
The survey focuses on significant challenges related to worker well-being in the region – particularly following the Covid-19 pandemic – and reveals that the percentage of regional employees who express a desire to leave their jobs is more than double the international rate.
World Mental Health Day, celebrated in association with the World Health Organisation, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of the cause. The global campaign will be staged under the theme ‘Mental health at work’.
“Thirty-six per cent Gulf employees express an intention to leave when compared to the global 16pc,” Child Foundation Centre founder and licensed consultant psychologist Dr Mariam Alammadi told the GDN, based on a latest McKinsey Health Institute (MHI) survey.
“The report notes that approximately 66pc of Gulf respondents have faced at least one mental health issue in their lives, which correlates with physical health problems. Toxic workplace environments are a critical factor, as Gulf employees are seven times more likely to report burnout symptoms than the global average, which is linked to high levels of toxic behaviour at work.
“Many of my patients have been facing significant challenges due to the ongoing effects of the labour market in the post-Covid era. The combination of extended working hours and a lack of social interaction has taken a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. Patients have had to leave jobs they were in, look for other opportunities that are increasingly difficult to find, and accept jobs that pay less but still stick to working hours so they can prioritise spending time with family,” she added
In Bahrain, the most common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety and substance use. There is also a growing concern about conditions like stress-related disorders and psychosomatic illnesses, according to Sulwan Psychiatric Hospital chief executive and medical director Dr Abdulateef Al Hamada.
“Social stigma, workplace stress, social isolation, economic and political stressors, and cultural and religious expectations are common causes of mental disorders in the kingdom,” Dr Al Hamada revealed.
“There are several internationally-recognised treatment methods and emerging trends in mental healthcare that focus on both traditional evidence-based therapies and innovative techniques, leveraging technology and new research in psychiatry. Integration of these new methods with traditional approaches can provide a more personalised and effective mental healthcare experience globally,” he added.
Digital or teletherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), genetic testing for medication personalisation, nutritional psychiatry and Peer Support Networks (PSN) are some of the latest treatment methods.
“While areas like early intervention and prevention, workplace mental health policies, cultural sensitivity in treatment and youth mental health could benefit from further development, Bahrain is witnessing a gradual shift in how mental health is perceived and treated.
“Sulwan Psychiatric Hospital has launched the fifth edition of its Tara A’adi (Arabic for ‘it’s OK’) campaign this month, which aims to end social stigma about mental disorders, and will feature numerous activities focusing on mental health, including talks for the community,” Dr Al Hamada noted.
“I am impressed by the recent proactive approach of companies in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia that have reached out to my centre (Child Foundation Centre) to secure contracts for therapy services for all their employees. This trend reflects a positive shift in the direction of workplace mental health support.
“I would like to see more insurance companies in Bahrain expand their coverage to include therapy costs. Currently, there is a tendency to cover psychiatric services while neglecting psychological support, and this disparity needs to be addressed,” Dr Alammadi, who is the Middle East Psychological Association (MEPA) Bahrain Chapter director, noted.
Joining the global campaign for mental health awareness, MEPA Bahrain is working on several upcoming events and will focus on three key topics:
Strategies for maintaining mental health in the workplace and establishing healthy boundaries
guidance on approaching HR (human resources) or your supervisor regarding mental health challenges
and tips for finding licensed psychologists in Bahrain and what to expect during your initial consultation
The Bahrain Science Centre in Isa Town will stage a wellness talk with Bahraini psychotherapist Eman Nooruddin on October 13 at 7pm. Entry is free.
The GDN previously reported about the Motanafas (‘a breather’ in Arabic) campaign, rolled out as part of Youth City 2030 by Arabian Gulf University Medicine and Health Sciences College students, in collaboration with the Youth Affairs Ministry. The initiative focused on enhancing the psychological and physical well-being of Bahrain’s youth and featured sessions on diverse themes, including stress management and psychological stability, in addition to raising awareness on anxiety and depression and the benefits of physical activity.
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