What triggers the imbalance?

Being away from home:

Unfamiliar territory creates extra stress and pressure. Not having the security of being in a familiar neighbourhood and around family can lead to loneliness, depression and anxiety issues.

Demand on internal resources:

In a city such as Dubai, where life is dynamic and change is the only constant, people who lack coping skills tend to develop anxiety issuesm depression, or resort to substance abuse (such as alcohol and prescription drugs).

Some people are biologically wired to be more prone to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression — and a stressor can trigger this. Living in a fast-paced city can be very stressful for such people, especially if they lack a social network for support.

One of the main buffers against mental health disorders is having a good social network of family and friends. In the UAE, many people don’t have this and can feel isolated or lonely.

Financial pressure, working around the clock (sometimes in different time zones), travel, relationship pressures, loneliness and very little time to reflect can result in stress, which unmanaged can develop into substance abuse, anxiety and depressive disorders.

Genetic predisposition:

Lack of strong social networks:

Stress: