Friday 26 / April / 2024
Muscat: To promote mental health in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, the Whispers of Serenity Clinic organised a movie night at the clinic on Thursday.
The clinic is the first mental health and wellness clinic to be opened in Oman.
According to Salwa Ibrahim, the clinic’s manager, the idea for organising such a night was form by the Founder Sayyida Basma Al Said.
“The movie night was organised to promote mental health in a fun, relaxing and chilled-out atmosphere, where our counsellors interacted with the audience and held discussions about the movie and what message it was trying to deliver,” Ibrahim told the Times of Oman.
“This event (movie night) is a first of many to come. We are planning to hold it on a monthly basis, each month we touch on a topic related to mental health, along with holding discussions,” she added.
The movie, “Call Me Crazy” was shown on Thursday. It had five stories, with each character portraying a mental disorder.
The first story talked about schizophrenia and the second about bipolar disorder. The third story was interlinked with the first to show the impact of mental health illness on the family as a whole. The fourth story talked about depression and the last one dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder.
According to clinic officials, they adopt a holistic approach to mental well-being, believing that peace of mind comes from mental and physical well-being; they are one and the same.
“Our clinic is devoted to activities that promote mental health wellness and awareness of different issues in mental health. We are active in society via campaigns, workshops and organise events that shed light on mental health issues,” Ibrahim pointed out.
Dedication
“Our most notable campaign “You Are Not Alone” is an example of our dedication towards raising awareness in the society,” she added.
“The ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign has featured prominent figures and personalities from different backgrounds, who have offered to engage in our awareness programme and to show the public and every patient that: You are not alone, we are here to help you.”
According to Ibrahim, the clinic offers counselling (e.g. individual, marriage and couples therapy, family therapy, group, children and teenagers therapy, hypnotherapy sessions), mind and body centred activities (e.g. Tai Chi, Detox Yoga, Laughter Yoga, relaxation therapy, art and drama therapy and Bach Flower therapy).
Furthermore, the clinic also has the facility of psychometric testing for adults and children in both Arabic and English, phone counselling to those living outside Muscat, support groups, life coaching and workshops centred around mental and physical well-being.
“We also have specifically designed ‘corporate wellness programs’ committed to providing corporate staff and higher management with workshops and programs touching on issues, such as health education, behaviour adjustment and stress management,” Ibrahim said.
“By understanding each client’s particular health management needs, we can provide them with services precisely meeting their needs,” she added.
Founder Sayyida Basma Al Said has been recognised for her active efforts in raising awareness about mental health in the Arab region.
Recently, Al Said was awarded the “Golden Recognition Award” by the Arab Women Council for her efforts in social responsibility and for the “Not Alone” initiative to raise awareness about mental health in the Arab region.
She was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate for youth volunteer projects, as well as the Middle East award for contributions to society from the GR8! Women Achievers Awards, held both in the United Arab Emirates in May and January, respectively last year.
