Qatar’s National Mental Health helpline witnesses steady growth

Doha, Qatar: The National Mental Health Helpline continues to respond to an increasing demand for confidential, mental health support from communities...

Doha, Qatar: The National Mental Health Helpline continues to respond to an increasing demand for confidential, mental health support from communities across Qatar. Since opening in April 2020, the helpline, staffed by a dedicated team of professionals, comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health nurses from Hamad Medical Corporation, has handled a growing number of calls.

The helpline saw a 32% surge in total calls between 2022 and 2023. Callers to the helpline are from various backgrounds and from both genders with slightly higher use (56%) by females.

Many of the callers (60%) are known to the mental health service and the line provides easy access to appointments, medication and advice. New callers (40%) are seeking help in managing difficulties sleeping, help with anxiety and depression and other psychological stresses. Many callers are seeking help and advice in respect of a family member, friend or colleague.

There has been a notable increase in demand for family and carer support, with family members seeking advice and assistance in January 2024 alone. Furthermore, psychologists have seen a 44% increase in caseloads in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Iain Tulley, National Health Strategy Lead for Mental Health and CEO of HMC’s Mental Health Service, highlighted the significance of Qatar’s National Health Strategy which has Mental Health & Wellbeing as a key priority. He emphasized the critical role played by the helpline in providing easy, responsive and confidential help when someone is in need, avoiding the stigma that often surrounds mental health.