KUWAIT: For World Mental Health Day, the important annual reminder of the need to take a moment to look after one's mental health and well-being, Ayadi emphasizes the need to address this societally neglected aspect of our health through self-awareness as the first step toward improving the way in which we approach the stressors of modern life.

Mental health issues are largely neglected in the region. In the GCC, at least 15 percent of people or more than one in eight individuals, are struggling with their mental health at any given time. And even this number is an understatement as many of those who face such challenges are yet to come to terms with their own mental state and this is why self-awareness is the first step toward a healthier, more balanced mind.

Gaining self-awareness is the process of arriving at a conscious knowledge of one's strengths and weaknesses, as well as beliefs, feelings, thought processes and assumptions. It involves individuals cultivating an understanding of themselves and an improved ability to appraise the impact of their behavior on others without self-judgment. Self-awareness is not about self-criticism but about gaining a sense of bearing that helps individuals put the focus on themselves and have a better understanding of their own emotions whenever life becomes overwhelming.

There is a strong correlation between one's self-awareness, mental wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and success. With greater self-awareness people can communicate better, have more meaningful relationships, and set productive life goals. It also allows for better management of stress and anxiety, both very common by products of today's busy lifestyle.

For World Mental Health Day and the month of October, Ayadi is running a range of initiatives centred around self-awareness. People can start by taking a free self-awareness assessment on the platform's website to better understand where they stand. Ayadi is also sharing informative content and actionable tips about self-awareness on its Instagram and TikTok accounts, while the new Ayadi community is open to individuals to come and ask experts for advice in semi-real time and connect with like-minded people in a safe, judgement-free space - all for free throughout October.

Ayadi is also taking an active part in shaping the conversation about mental health in the region by partnering with social media influencers, including Ali Najem, Yalda Golsharifi and Sara Al Homood, to advocate for self-awareness, and amplify and encourage the understanding of mental wellbeing.

Latifah Al Essa, Founder and CEO of Ayadi, said, "It is important that we come together as a community on World Mental Health Day to recognize the need for greater mindfulness about the issue of mental health in the region, and for each of us this starts with self-awareness. We want to communicate the benefit of self-awareness and a greater understanding of the relationship between one's inner state and the impact of it on our mental health and the people around us.

Ayadi is pleased to be able to celebrate this day by contributing through a range of educational resources, free text-based access to experts and discounted 1:1 support throughout the month. We hope to inspire and encourage more people in the region to pursue self-improvement and summon the courage to set out on their own personal self-awareness journey."

Self-awareness is not just for World Mental Health Day. Ayadi provides a safe and secure platform year-round for people to talk openly about their daily challenges and improve their emotional fitness and mental well-being through a combination of 1:1 expert support and positive peer support through the Ayadi Community.