For those of you who don’t know, today is World Mental Health Day. This could mean something for some, or not mean much for others. Mental health is just as, if not more, crucial than other types of health. Without a healthy mind, life cannot only be difficult but, at times, dysfunctional. Today, we’re not just shedding light on the vitality of mental health but also on the need to further empower.

Even though Egyptians have grown to appreciate mental health, we still need a little push.

Mental health is often dismissed, despite it being a life necessity. However, we cannot ignore the fact that it’s a work in progress and that Egypt is taking baby steps towards a mentally healthier society.

Health Care

Hospitals have improved over time. After having failing when it comes to dealing with mentally ill patients, efforts have been made by the hospital in hiring psychiatric nurses that are better suited for meeting the needs of the mentally ill.

Campaigns

There are different campaigns and organisations, aimed at treating mental illnesses and raising awareness for mental health, that are worth mentioning. For instance, Caritas joined forces with government hospitals to raise awareness of psychological problems and to decrease the stigma that embodies it.

There is also Ally Salama, who started a new mental health awareness movement called Break The Silence. The movement serves to destigmatise the issue by encouraging mentally ill patients to speak up about their experiences. Also, the Health Ministry launched a campaign two years ago in order to combat the shame surrounding mental illnesses, named El Saraya El Safra.

As mentioned above, there have been many campaigns supporting mental health and battling the stigma surrounding seeing a psychiatrist, or checking into a mental health institute. What many fail to realise is that while mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, it is also much less validated. Often those who suffer from a mental health problem suffer in silence.

Every year, we get this one day to speak up for those who suffer mentally. Today, we get to tell you that you are brave, that you have both internal and external resources to make it. We hope that everyone who’s suffering out there would have the strength to continue fighting and win their battles.