Ministry of Health celebrates World Mental Health Day under the theme 'Listening to Lived Experiences'
The Director of the Mental Health Center emphasizes the importance of listening to patients' experiences.
Translated by Alqyas from Al-Jarida — Original source
Dr. Khaloud Al-Ali, Director of the Kuwait Center for Mental Health, said in a speech at an event held at The Avenues Mall that listening to the experiences of patients and their families is a fundamental pillar for improving service quality, promoting recovery, and combating the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that mental health care extends beyond treatment and medication; it begins with listening, respecting patient dignity, understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations, and involving them and their families in the journey of treatment and recovery.
She added that the responsibility of healthcare institutions is not limited to providing treatment and medication, but also extends to creating a safe therapeutic environment that preserves patient dignity, respects their rights, enhances their self-confidence and trust in society, and responds to their needs through the collaboration of professionals across medical, nursing, psychological, social, and administrative specialties to deliver comprehensive mental health care.
She called for translating the themes of this occasion into practical actions based on listening, understanding, and involving patients in shaping the future of mental health care, stressing that learning from their experiences contributes to improving their lives.
She commended the efforts of mental health professionals in caring for patients and supporting their families, expressing appreciation to everyone who shared their experiences and contributed to spreading hope and awareness.
The celebration featured an awareness booth at The Avenues Mall, with participation from several doctors, as part of the observance of World Mental Health Day and to enhance community awareness of the importance of mental health care. This aligns with the event’s message, which calls for listening to the experiences of patients and their families, strengthening their role in the treatment and recovery journey, and fostering a supportive societal culture that helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
