(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The support of friends and family is a key factor in helping people overcome a mental illness or disorder, especially among single expatriates in Gulf countries, according a psychiatrist.
Speaking to Gulf Times during a recent visit to Doha, Dr Jyothi Arayambath, psychiatrist at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK, and managing trustee, Mental Health Action Trust, said that social cohesion among members of the expatriate community could be a protective factor in mental illness cases.
"Expatriates in Gulf countries live in close-knit societies. People have to make use of this particular facility for their mental health. People can immediately spot any gloomy person and get him professional support through a psychiatrist or psychologist," she said.
The psychiatrist noted that such help can be provided in Gulf countries more easily than in cities or other places in India or other countries. "Most of the community members know each other and help can easily be provided, as compared to places in other countries. This can be a great support for everyone," she added.
Dr Arayambath said about 2% of people have severe mental illness universally and about 5% have some kind of mental illness.
"There are many factors for illness such as genetics, influence of the environment, childhood problems and others. A lot of mental illness is present though not known at an early age. Expatriates come here at a young age," she pointed out. "Bipolar disorder and depression can become evident at about 25-30 years of age. Some of the mental illness can be hereditary. Stress is another issue. Psychological problems can trigger mental illness and can have serious problems but psychological problems and mental illness are two different problems."
She also said that it was important for parents to be open and honest with children. "Be sensitive about the needs of children. We cannot be perfect parents but we can be good parents if we try to understand children, their needs and attitudes. You need to trust children and you must make it known to them. Have faith in your children," she remarked.
Dr Arayambath is part of a charity organisation called Mental Health Action Trust as managing trustee. The organisation takes care of community psychiatry in India, and treats people who have severe mental illness and who are extremely poor.
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