Focus on mental health issues of adults, children in Oman

Muscat: A range of mental health issues concerning both children and adults were discussed at the second mental health convoy organised in Musandam over the weekend.
An expert panel including mental health specialists, psychologists and doctors spoke to an audience, including men, women and children, at the Bassa beach in Khasab.
Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said, a mental health expert and Founder of the Whispers of Serenity Clinic, said, “I really thought that it went very well.It’s always amazing to see people turn up, listen to our discussion and ask some very informative questions towards the end.
“Some people wanted to know how to raise children in this age of technology.We spoke to them about first aid in mental health.Even before approaching a doctor or a psychologist, what is it that one needs to do.”
Zahira al Nabhani, an attendee, said, “I am happy to be a part of this informative session Even sitting here has helped me learn quite a few things. I have already listed certain changes that I need to make in my family life. I will also go to my son’s school and talk to the principal about making changes in the way kids are dealt with. I want to be more loving and caring towards my child.”
Yousuf Al Shehhi, a volunteer from Khasabwho took part in the session, said, “I participated because mental health is so important these days. If people have good mental health, they will be more productive and will contribute better to the nation. I like studies, facts and examples and that’s exactly what I got to see here. So it is really good and I have a lot of things running in my mind which I want to change.”
Another male attendee said he was really happy because the session was informative and people spoke about things which are not usually spoken about openly. “I loved this but this was not enough.We need more such sessions and we need to go deeper and find out (solutions to) things which bother the community.”
SayyidaBasma and her team are now looking forward to the rest of the convoys.
“Every convoy makes me look forward to the next one.We learnt a lot from the questions people asked us here in Khasab. I thank the team of volunteers at Musandam and also the Khimjis House of Travel, Atana and Khasab hotels.
“Tourism is a very important part of our convoys as well, as we discover new places in Oman with these convoys and at the same time spread awareness.” The next convoy will be organised in Nizwa in February.