Ubaida Al-Aani Leads Global Majlis on Mental Health in Healthcare Professionals
Article By: Sama ayoub
We live in an era of insurmountable strain on the healthcare system. Understandably, healthcare workers have increasingly faced mental health challenges, substance abuse, and depression, with Emergency Room physicians bearing the brunt of this phenomenon.
Caring for others is at the heart of every healthcare profession; however, it is common for care providers to neglect their own health and well-being in the process. Demanding responsibilities can take an emotional, physical, and mental toll on providers, highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health. Not only does this support their resilience and longevity in the field, but it also ensures they can offer the best, most compassionate care to their patients.
As concern for mental health challenges among healthcare workers grows, Ubaida Al-Ani, a medical student at WCM-Q, organized and led a majlis discussion at the recent All Together Better Health Conference titled, "Prescribing Mindfulness & Self Care: Nurturing Mental Health in Healthcare Professionals." The dialogue contextualized the concerns affecting medical students and healthcare professionals, with worldwide data reporting burnout in 51% of healthcare workers across 60 countries. To compare these global numbers to the Gulf region, a study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that 72.5% of public sector healthcare workers have experienced anxiety symptoms. These alarming data points serve as a reminder of the situation’s urgency.
As lead presenter, Al-Aani opened the discussion with an invitation for those listening to recall their own struggles and moments of stress, whether from long hours of patient care, exams, or clerkships. The discussion was then directed towards identifying avenues of change and solutions, including practicing mindfulness, accessing peer or institutional support, and creating sustainable self-care habits.
The majlis was part of a broader conference theme, "Advocating for Health and Well-Being," and served as a platform for open, collaborative dialogue. True to the majlis tradition, the discussion was informal and participatory, with students and professionals engaging in thoughtful conversations about the pressures of the healthcare profession, and sharing practical strategies for resilience and mental wellness.
Al-Aani reflected on the experience, saying,
“It was a thrill to engage in discussions with healthcare experts from across the globe”
The majlis not only provided a space for emotional honesty, but also inspired a shared commitment to fostering healthier, more supportive environments for all healthcare professionals. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, events like this majlis highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellness, reminding us that in caring for others, healthcare providers must also care for themselves.