UAE Emerging as a Trailblazer in Preventative Mental Health
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from euphoric highs to profound lows, often making daily life challenging for those affected. These mood swings can include hallucinations and disruptions in energy levels, thinking patterns, behavior, and sleep.
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder remains uncertain, it’s believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition, chemical imbalances in the brain, and environmental triggers. Genetic factors play a significant role, with about 4 out of 5 cases having a genetic component. Additionally, changes in brain structure and chemistry, along with stressful life events like abuse or family conflicts, can precipitate episodes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of bipolar disorder vary widely and can manifest differently in individuals. Manic episodes are characterized by feelings of euphoria, heightened energy levels, impulsivity, and a decreased need for sleep. On the other hand, depressive episodes entail profound sadness, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Some individuals may experience rapid shifts between these mood states, while others may have mixed episodes with symptoms of both mania and depression simultaneously.
Stabilizing the Swings
Treatment for bipolar disorder focuses on stabilizing mood and managing symptoms to improve overall quality of life.
This often involves a combination of medications such as mood stabilizers and therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT). Early diagnosis and ongoing support are crucial for effective management, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help for those grappling with bipolar disorder. By understanding the intricacies of bipolar disorder and adopting appropriate treatment approaches, individuals can manage the rollercoaster of emotions associated with this condition and work towards achieving greater stability and well-being in their lives.
Split personality or Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a dissociative personality disorder. It has a genetic origin and might run in a family. It begins with psychosis, with delusions of persecution and grandeur and degenerates into a complete loss of touch with reality. The person begins to live in a fictional world with multiple fictional personas.
Symptoms
An individual suffering from early signs schizophrenia, might be introvert, but high functioning person with a meticulous approach, a stickler for punctuality, might talk to himself/herself and suffer from mood swings of extreme elation, aggression to depression.
Seeking help from a mental health expert is like throwing a lifeline to such a person who might be plagued by inhibitions and have no clue how to tackle his own behavior. A combination of medication and structured counselling can help such a person integrate into a regular routine and lead a normal life.
Eminent mental health professional Anamika Vajpeyi Misra shines a beacon on sweeping changes including the application of AI and Machine learning, to improve the quality of life of the common man.
In a world where mental health narratives are often shrouded in silence, the story of Alia and Ahmed provides a new insight into deeply entrenched stigmas within our societies. Alia, a budding social worker in the UAE, encountered the stark reality of mental health awareness—or the lack thereof— when she learned about Ahmed, a 30-year-old family friend living with Down’s Syndrome, whose existence was a family secret until his father’s funeral. This revelation mirrored the broader challenge many young adults in the UAE face in battling societal taboos surrounding mental illnesses.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen remarkable progress in the mental health domain, demonstrating a commitment to improving the mental well-being of its residents, points out Anamika Vajpeyi Misra, an established mental health professional and consultant based in the UAE.
Anamika highlights UAE’S official decriminalization of suicide, which views it as a crucial step towards a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health. She emphasizes the importance of holistic care for individuals living with mental illness, advocating for policies that prioritize preventative measures and comprehensive support systems.
The UAE government has taken significant strides in improving mental health care, as evidenced by the launch of digital solutions for mental and psychological fields and the organization of awareness lectures. The introduction of a Federal Law on mental health marks a monumental step in ensuring the rights and dignity of psychiatric patients, establishing a framework for high-quality care and social integration.
Innovations and Awareness Initiatives
The Mental Health Program at Abu Dhabi Public Health Center and initiatives like the ‘Mental Health Journalism Fellowship’ awarded by Al Jalila Foundation highlight the nation’s efforts to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Furthermore, startups like Sukooni are addressing the demand for culturally sensitive and techenabled mental health solutions, showcasing the UAE’S innovative approach to mental wellness.
Awareness and Youth Engagement
Anamika is a strong advocate for awareness programs aimed at dismantling the stigma and taboo surrounding mental illness. By partnering with the youth of the country, she focuses on cultivating mental well-being rather than solely treating mental illness. This approach, Anamika believes, is essential for fostering a resilient and supportive community.
Workplace Mental Health Support
Recognizing the increasing need for mental health support in the workplace, Anamika champions the implementation of employee wellness programs. She underscores the significance of such initiatives in creating healthier and more productive work environments.
An Integrated Approach to Mental Health Care
Anamika employs an eclectic method in her practice, combining Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Rational Emotive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Depth Psychology, Principles of Positive Psychology, and Trauma-informed practice. Her background in
Medical and Psychiatric Social Work further enriches her ability to provide systemic support, integrating family therapy, group work methodology, and community-based approaches. Future Aspirations
Application of AI and Machine Learning in Mental Health
Anamika Vajpeyi Misra is currently advocating for leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the mental health field, emphasizing the transformative potential of these technologies. She champions the use of AI tools, such as chatbots for school counseling, to enhance accessibility, ensure confidentiality, offer personalized support, and reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health assistance. Misra also highlights the importance of ethical considerations and the necessity of human oversight to ensure AI complements traditional counseling methods effectively.
Mental Health and Social Sustainability
Additionally, Misra’s work underscores the crucial role of promoting positive mental health in achieving social sustainability. She argues that fostering mental well-being is essential for building resilient, supportive communities that contribute to social and economic development. Through her innovative approach of integrating AI and ML in mental health practices, Misra aims to create a future where technology and human expertise collaborate to provide comprehensive and inclusive care. This forwardthinking perspective not only advances mental health care practices but also aligns with broader goals of enhancing social sustainability by ensuring individuals’ mental and emotional well-being.
Future Aspirations
Anamika aspires to open an integrated and holistic mental health and wellbeing center, further solidifying her commitment to enhancing mental health care in the UAE.
The UAE’S progressive stance on mental health, championed by professionals like Anamika, sets a benchmark for comprehensive and inclusive mental health care. Through legislative reforms, awareness campaigns, and the embrace of digital health solutions, the UAE is paving the way for a future where mental well-being is prioritized and stigma is eradicated. Anamika’s integrated approach and future aspirations reflect the nation’s broader commitment to fostering a supportive and healthy society.