The Peninsula
With the FIFA World Cup coming up in Qatar in a few days and the attendant challenges associated with such a mega event, people must be mentally prepared and learn to strike a balance between their normal day-to-day activities and the changes the tournament will bring, Tina Balachandran, a clinical psychologist, has said.
"A mega event like the World Cup would definitely change the normal dynamics of everyone's daily routine, and this might have psychological effects on some people, but the positives the tournament brings far outweigh the little challenges. "So, people must learn to cope with and enjoy the tournament, which is an experience of a lifetime," "Balachandran, the founder of Flourishing Minds Consultants, a holistic wellness organization, said.
According to her, the first thing everyone should understand is their limits, what they are comfortable with and what they are not, and how to balance things out.
"So if, for example, going into crowded and noisy places gives you a sense of discomfort, then how about seeing where else you would be able to go in order to have that quietness and still enjoy the tournament. The good thing is that there are a series of activities that have been lined up to cater to all classes of people. So there is something out there for everyone to ensure a very memorable tournament. "Understanding oneself and acting within these boundaries will ensure a very enjoyable tournament for everyone," Balachandran, who was instrumental in setting up the psychology clinic for Qatar’s national airline, added.
She noted that one of the overwhelming advantages the World Cup brings is the opportunity to connect with people from all parts of the world. Being able to connect with others has been shown to help lower levels of anxiety and depression. And such events provide a platform for connecting and socialising.
"One of the several positives of the tournament is the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and have new experiences." The whole world will be in Qatar, so there will be an opportunity to learn new things, meet new people, and have fun, which is good for everyone's mental health, especially those who have some issues. "It can be therapeutic for many, and I encourage everyone to participate as much as they can while striking a good balance," she said.
The experienced psychologists with over 13 years of experience in Qatar noted that Qatar has witnessed tremendous development in mental healthcare over the years, making it a regional leader in the sector thanks to the support of the leadership and the focus of the health administrators who, over the years, have prioritized mental health.
"When I first came here and I went to get my licence as a psychologist, I was asked, What's your role? Are you a nurse? Are you a technician or a physiotherapist? The understanding of psychology wasn't really there. But right now, we have several scopes of practice for psychology in Qatar. "We now have psychologists, psychology assistants, psychological counsellors, clinical psychologists, art psychotherapists, and so on. " Qatar has definitely grown in that space itself, just being able to recognize, understand, and prioritize mental health.
She noted that the growth was further spurred by the Qatar National Mental Health Strategy (QNMHS), launched in 2013 to set out a vision for a mental health system in Qatar.
"One of the main focuses and priorities of the QNMHS was to encourage positive dialogue around mental health and wellbeing by continuously raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. "This has helped many people open up about their mental health issues and receive the needed help and support," she said.
She added that with the QNMHS, people with mental health challenges can simply dial the toll-free helpline, 16000, select the available Arabic or English option, and then select Option 4 for the Mental Health Helpline to receive the needed assistance without any fear, as all calls are treated with strict confidentiality.
"Statistically, around one in five people (20%) have one or more mental or substance use disorders globally, but one of the main challenges people with mental health issues face is stigmatization, which has prevented many people from coming out and getting help. Many are suffering in silence because they are afraid of what people will say, and this has caused many unexpected endings. But with what Qatar is doing, "there has been a massive improvement in the treatment and handling of the issue," she said.
Balachandran, also a certified Positive Workplace Framework trainer, who with her team would soon be opening Qatar’s first integrated private outpatient mental health community center, advised people with mental health issues to speak up and not be silent about their challenges.
"It’s ok to talk. People must learn to overcome the barrier of stigmatization and understand that they are not the only ones with this issue. Help can only be given when it is sought. "People must be open about their challenges and not be afraid, as early diagnosis helps a lot," "she added.
Balachandran and her team collaborate with community members and partner with industry leaders across diverse businesses and educational sectors to create healthier communities, workspaces, and learning environments.