Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), managed by Cleveland Clinic, is focusing on the psychological effects of chronic disease as part of its monthly mental awareness lectures for the local community in Abu Dhabi.

Focusing heavily on anxiety and depression as a result of chronic illness, the public are invited to attend a lecture on Tuesday 7 May in the Behaviour Science Pavilion (BSP) auditorium at SKMC.

According to SKMC specialists, studies found that 13 percent of men and 17 percent of women suffer from a form of existential crisis, anxiety and depression, which climbs to 20 - 25 percent in patients with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The rate reaches as high as 30 percent among cancer sufferers, which normally presents in society at a rate of four to eight percent, according to Dr. Medhat Al Sabahi, Consultation Psychiatrist, SKMC.

“Many patients that suffer from a chronic illness are vulnerable or sensitive to depression or anxiety, and are not fully aware of the psychological effects that a long-term illness can have on them. It’s important that they are aware of options available to them, and we must ensure that they not feel embarrassed to seek help,” said Tahani Mustafa, Psychologist, SKMC, who will also be speaking at the lecture.

This health talk is part of the Mental Health Awareness Program that started March 2010, and includes a series of health talks in Arabic language every month on different topics related to mental health and social problems. The invitation is extended to the public and SKMC’s patients. SKMC is part of the SEHA Health System and is owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA), which is responsible for the curative activities of all the public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Mental Health Awareness Program is organized by the BSP of SKMC, a comprehensive psychiatric facility committed to providing mental health treatment services in the UAE. The program consists of monthly public health talks about different topics related to mental health in the Arabic language. The talks are given by a panel of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists as well as social workers from the BSP. Each session includes a question and answer session to answer the attendees’ inquiries.

The overall 2013 SKMC Mental Health Awareness program addressing issues relevant to the community is continuously updated and is as follows:

• Hysteria - 8 January
• Aging - 5 February
• Anger Control Techniques - 5 March
• Behaviour Problems in School Children - 2 April
• Psychological Effects of Chronic Diseases - 7 May
• The Keys to a Successful Married Life - 4 June 

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear