Healthcare | Friday 9 January, 2015 1:12 pm |

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) addressed depression and its related treatment options at its monthly mental health lecture, as up to one in four people will experience depression at some point in their lives.

The open-to-the-public lecture took place at 6:30 pm in the Behavioural Sciences Pavilion (BSP) auditorium at SKMC, and was aimed at creating awareness of the signs of depression, but also its treatment options.

“Depression is related to the chemistry of the brain, and therefore is a medical disease, but it can be treated effectively if it is treated early,” said Dr. Alaa Haweel, Psychiatric Consultant with the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, who conducted the talk.

Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men, due to hormonal, social, and situational reasons. Depression typically afflicts those between the ages of 20 and 50; however, it can also be seen in children and seniors. It is most common among single, unmarried people, though it is not related to economic or social class factors.

Warning signs of depression include: boredom, misery, inability to enjoy life, hesitant decision making, difficulty adapting to daily life at work and home, low self-esteem, self-blaming, loss of appetite and libido, anxiety, headaches, and even suicidal thoughts.

But, says Dr. Haweel, depression can be treated effectively, and even prevented in many cases.

“Counselling, and the prescription of anti-depressant medication that targets the chemistry of the brain, are often highly effective in treating depression sufferers, but prevention is also a large part of the way in which society should address this problem. Eating well, sleeping well, physical activity, and taking part in societal activities are all ways to combat depression. But the most important step any depression sufferer can take is to speak out and come forward, if he or she is demonstrating any warning signs of the condition. Do not be ashamed.”

This health talk is part of the Mental Health Awareness Program that started in March 2010, and includes a series of health talks in Arabic language every month on different topics related to mental health and social problems.





SKMC is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Mental Health Awareness Program is organized by the BSP of SKMC, a comprehensive psychiatric facility committed to providing mental health treatment services in the UAE. The program consists of monthly public health talks about different topics related to mental health in the Arabic language. The talks are given by a panel of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists as well as social workers from the BSP. Each session includes a question and answer session to answer the attendees’ inquiries.