The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, hosted a specialized panel discussion titled "Family Cohesion and Men's Psychological Well-Being" as part of Mental Health Week. The event took place in the lecture hall of the Ministry's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
The session was attended by Major General Salem Mubarak Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Interior; Her Excellency Reem bint Abdullah Al Falasi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood; several ministry officers; and students from the Police College. This session also aligns with the preliminary agenda for the Fatima bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood and Childhood on Mental Health, scheduled for October 10 in Abu Dhabi.
The discussion is held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, "Mother of the Emirates," Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
The discussion, which garnered significant interaction from the audience, was moderated by media personality Faisal bin Harez, presenter and head of the IMI Academy. Colonel Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Subaian Al Tunaiji, Director of the Federal Social Support Department at the Ministry of Interior, highlighted the department's role in fostering family cohesion and safeguarding society through innovative initiatives and preventive family programs in collaboration with relevant institutions. Dr. Fatima Al Mansouri, a psychiatric consultant and founder of the "Halak Lahmak" clinic, addressed the detrimental effects of emotional suppression and the challenges of expressing feelings. She emphasized the importance of psychological openness and self-awareness to prevent the buildup of negative emotions, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, an educational and psychological consultant, discussed psychological studies on men and women, focusing on managing life pressures by reshaping internal beliefs and cultivating adaptability, balance, and resilience to cope with challenges. Mr. Ahmed Bamusallam, Head of the Family Guidance and Reform Department at Dubai Courts, spoke about the significance of psychological balance between men and women. He stressed the need for a thoughtful approach to resolving family issues, rather than rushing into decisions that could negatively impact family dynamics.
At the conclusion of the event, the distinguished speakers were honored by His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Resources and Support Services at the Ministry of Interior and Her Excellency the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood. Mental health activities continue until September 19, concluding on Saadiyat Island. The Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood will conduct a specialized training course on "First Aid for Mental Health," aimed at 60 Ministry of Interior personnel. The course, presented by UNICEF-certified trainers, will focus on psychological preparedness, equipping participants with the skills to manage their mental health and effectively cope with life's challenges.