Minister of Social Affairs: Necessity of Providing a Supportive Environment Ensuring Psychological Safety

Dr. Amal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, stated that the observance of World Mental Health Day, which falls on Saturday, represents an important opportunity to enhance community awareness of the significance of mental health as a fundamental component of general health and quality of life. In a press statement, Minister Al-Huwail emphasized the necessity of providing a supportive environment that ensures individuals’ psychological well-being and enables their active participation in society. She noted that mental health is no longer merely a health issue, but has become a key pillar for achieving social development, strengthening family stability, and fostering social cohesion, explaining that attention to mental health positively impacts individuals, families, and various societal institutions. She added that the Ministry places great emphasis on supporting programs and initiatives that contribute to promoting mental health and preventing psychological problems, alongside cultivating a culture of accepting help-seeking and raising awareness of the importance of psychosocial support, while working to reduce the stigma associated with mental disorders. The minister called on all government entities, civil society organizations, and the private sector to intensify their joint efforts to spread awareness and enhance services supporting mental health, ensuring access for all segments of society and reinforcing values of solidarity and social cohesion. Minister Al-Huwail commended the role played by specialists and professionals in the fields of mental health and social services, affirming that building a society whose members enjoy mental health and social well-being is a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of all. She stressed that investing in mental health is an investment in human capital, and that the societies most capable of progress and prosperity are those that prioritize the mental health, dignity, and well-being of their citizens.