Health Ministry Marks World Mental Health Day to Promote Recovery and Combat Stigma

(KUNA) – The Ministry of Health celebrated World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, which the World Health Organization is marking this year under the theme “Listening to Lived Experiences… Real Voices, Real Change.” Dr. Khuloud Al-Ali, Director of the Kuwait Center for Mental Health, said in a speech at the 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 is not limited to treatment and medication, but begins with attentive 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 health institutions extends beyond providing treatment and medication 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 messages 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 praised 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 physicians, as part of the observance of World Mental Health Day and efforts to raise community awareness about the importance of mental health care. This aligns with the occasion’s message, which calls for listening to the experiences of patients and their families, enhancing their role in the treatment and recovery journey, and fostering a supportive societal culture that helps reduce the stigma associated with mental illnesses.