In honor of Mental Health Awareness week which takes place from 18-24 May 2020, ITP Live honors the efforts of Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said and her clinic Whispers of Serenity, the first private mental health center in Oman.
The 2020 theme of Mental Health Awareness week is kindness.
The importance of prioritizing one’s mental health cannot be overstated especially during the current unprecedented and uncertain times we are all living in.
The ‘Not Alone’ Mental Health Campaign launched by H.H Basma Al Said and Whispers of Serenity aims to shatter the barriers and misconceptions surrounding mental health by creating an open and sharing environment for those who seek support.
The initiative was started in the Sultanate of Oman in 2014 and has since raised awareness regarding the importance of mental health.
Through the years, they have held events such as art competition, story sharing gatherings, forums, walkathons and even a mobile psychological service around six cities in the Sultanate. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and effort of the entire team at Whispers of Serenity and HH Sayyida Basma— the soul of the organization.
Currently as we grapple with the effects of the global pandemic, mental health has perhaps never been more of a priority. From perceived economic woes and job security to struggles with stress and uncertainty surrounding the disease and the health of our loved ones, it is easy to get caught up in the anxiety which is constantly perpetuated through everyday media.
To provide support for those in need, Whispers of Serenity Clinic and Not Alone Oman have partnered to provide a free support line which was launched on 19th March 2020.
Their aim is to connect every texter to a professional promptly to receive crisis help for free.
These counsel volunteers are from the team of professionals at Serenity clinic as well as the Not Alone campaign.
There are 2 assigned professionals per day. One in the morning (11am-1pm) and the other is in the afternoon (5-7pm).
The contact numbers are posted on the Instagram accounts (@serenitymuscat and @notaloneoman)
The service is available in various languages via WhatsApp messaging only and can be accessed worldwide.
The stigma surrounding mental health should be shattered and the team aim to create a safe space for those who require counsel. All messaging is safe and confidential and respect is observed.
Please note that each session lasts 10 minutes per client and those who seek additional counsel may be referred to a psychologist at the clinic to receive the help that he/she needs.
Don’t allow the effects of the current pandemic to weigh over you, you are greater than your anxiety!