Tribune News Network
Doha
Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Mental Health Service will hold a free webinar, ‘Maternal Mental Health Matters’, to mark World Maternal Mental Health Day. Observed globally on the first Wednesday of May, this year the day falls on Wednesday, May 3.
This free 1-hour webinar will be presented by HMC’s Mental Health Service professionals who will offer information on some useful well-being strategies for those sometimes emotionally and psychologically challenging times that mothers and fathers can experience before, during and after the birth of a child.
Dr. Sazgar Hamad, consultant perinatal & general adult psychiatrist and clinical lead for the Women Wellness Centre, Virtual Women Mental Health, and Perinatal Services at Hamad Medical Corporation said: “Research in many countries indicates that as many as 1 in 5 new mothers and 1 in 10 new fathers experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder. Over 75% of women do not get diagnosed and do not receive adequate treatment and support. By discussing these topics together, we can unmask the stigma and make maternal mental health care more available.”
“I am pleased that with this webinar, which is open to women and men, we are able to provide a free and easy way for individuals to connect with experts in the field; and whoever wishes to maintain their privacy can connect anonymously, while all participants are encouraged to post questions,” added Dr. Hamad.
The one-hour lunchtime webinar, which will be delivered in separate Arabic and English sessions on MS Teams by maternal mental health experts and is aimed at raising awareness about the importance of maternal mental health and to provide resources for those who may be struggling.
The webinar is held under the banner of the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Program called Ma’ak that aims to de-stigmatise mental health topics and facilitate easier access to professional mental health services in Qatar.
Katja Warwick-Smith, assistant executive director of Clinical Service Development and Operational Lead for the National Mental Health Helpline said: “The Maternal Mental Health Matters webinar is an important way to help us spread information about the virtual Women’s Mental Health Service, which is a specialised confidential service offered by HMC to deliver safe and holistic care designed to support the unique needs of women”.
“I am pleased to announce that we will deliver another free webinar entitled ‘My wellbeing – self-start in motivation and self-efficacy’ on MS Teams on the 9th of May at 1 PM. Maintaining a healthy sense of motivation and self-efficacy is an important aspect of overall wellbeing and we aim to share strategies that you can adopt to help you achieve your specific goals.”
Anyone who is feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety or depression can call the National Mental Health Helpline for free and confidential support. Call 16000 and select option 4 to speak to a mental health professional. All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.
