By Mohamed AlDakheel

KUWAIT: As the sun sets over the Arabian Gulf, casting long shadows across Kuwait, another kind of darkness lingers - a stigma so pervasive that it stifles the voices of those crying out for help. Here, mental health remains cloaked in secrecy, where admitting one’s struggles can seem like a bigger burden than bearing them silently. This silent crisis affects countless Kuwaitis, yet the cultural norms of pride and privacy prevent open discussions about mental well-being. The consequence is a society where mental health issues are either hidden or ignored, leaving those affected to navigate their pain without the support or understanding that could lead to healing.

In the wake of a global pandemic, awareness of mental health in Kuwait has seen a promising rise, especially among the younger generation, who are spearheading a shift in attitudes towards mental health care, contrasting significantly with the hesitancy often exhibited by their parents and grandparents. “Mental health in Kuwait is currently in a better position, especially after COVID-19,” Dr Ibrahim Al-Obaid, an esteemed local psychiatrist noted.

“People have started realizing the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, reflecting a global awakening to the importance of psychological well-being. However, substantial challenges remain. Parents typically show reluctance about psychiatric visits, but their children are increasingly advocating for professional intervention. Usually parents are more reluctant about their kids visiting psychiatrists, but their kids now are pushing them to do so,” Dr Ibrahim added.

While traditional remedies sometimes suffice, there are instances where psychiatric intervention is necessary, potentially involving verbal counseling or medication. A significant hurdle in seeking mental health services is the fear associated with medical records. “Each patient will have a file that includes details on their condition — a file which will be added to the hospital’s system and must be shown to the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Interior if needed,” Dr Ibrahim explained. This requirement often deters individuals from seeking help, fearing potential repercussions on their employment prospects or social lives.

“From the outset, Kuwaiti culture has traditionally seen mental health struggles and feelings of sadness as signs of weakness,” Dr Ibrahim stated. This black-and-white perception ignores the spectrum of mental health, where many suffer in silence in the vast gray area between wellness and severe psychological disorders. Addressing the shortage of mental health professionals is another critical issue. With only 12 clinics for a population of around 4 million, many psychiatrists’ schedules are booked months or even over a year in advance. This stark ratio highlights the dire need for more accessible mental health services across the country.

Dr Ibrahim and his colleagues have pioneered creative approaches to enhance mental health awareness. They have utilized “telepsychology,” enabling individuals in isolation during the pandemic to engage in therapeutic conversations via phone, feeling less like a formal session and more like a casual chat. Additionally, Dr Ibrahim has set up booths at popular venues like The Avenues mall, where he and his team listen to passersby’s concerns, offering advice without explicitly revealing the psychiatric nature of the interaction.

Dr Ibrahim emphasizes the need for open discussions about mental health: “We simply need to start a conversation about it — it’s okay to not be okay.” This simple, yet powerful message underscores the evolving dialogue on mental health in Kuwait — a dialogue that, despite progress, still faces significant cultural and systemic barriers. As Kuwait continues to navigate these challenges, the journey towards a more understanding and supportive society remains ongoing.

The resilience and innovative approaches of younger generation and medical professionals like Dr Ibrahim suggest a hopeful trajectory towards destigmatizing mental health and fostering a culture that truly supports all aspects of well-being. It is through collective effort and continued advocacy that we can hope to break the chains of stigma, paving the way for a healthier, more inclusive future. Dr Ibrahim and his peers deserve immense praise for their tireless contributions to this cause, serving as beacons of hope and change in a landscape often resistant to it. Together, we can transform the silent crisis into a loud revolution of healing and acceptance.