MUSCAT : In a resounding success, the 3rd Annual Mental Health Forum organized by Sayyida Dr. Basma Al Said and the dedicated team behind the Not Alone Campaign, in association with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Oman, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of mental health awareness. Held on Saturday, November 4th, at the Oman Across Ages Museum, this year’s forum focused on the pivotal theme of mental health, with a strong emphasis on the significance of a sense of belonging, especially during these times of uncertainty.

The event witnessed a historic turnout, with the highest number of attendees ever recorded in the history of the museum for a forum. Esteemed guests, including HRH Princess Kholoud Al Said from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, royal families, dignitaries, and ministers, added to the event’s prestige.

Over 250 people attended, making it an impactful gathering of minds. The forum featured 30 speakers, with some of the most notable names in the field of mental health and wellbeing.

The main speakers included Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of LUNA Education, Training & Consulting from California, USA, and Dr. Rania Awaad, a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University. Dr. Moustafa El-Nahas, a psychiatry consultant and the General Manager of Sabeel Addiction Center from Egypt, and Dr. Hassan Mirza, a consultant psychiatrist at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Whispers of Serenity Clinic, also shared their expertise.

In addition to these prominent figures, head representatives from UNICEF Oman, WHO Oman, and the Ministry of Health shared their insights, along with psychologists, professors from Sultan Qaboos University, Omani artists, and athletes. The forum also included light-hearted talks from children aged 10-13.

The event featured back-to-back panel discussions on various important topics, including the Role of International Organizations in Mental Health Programs, Media and Mental Health, an Artists Panel, a Sports Panel, and workshops for parents, dealing with grief and loss. The event concluded with a meditation session, offering attendees a holistic view of mental health.

The organizers expressed their gratitude to everyone involved in making this event a resounding success, especially the volunteers, esteemed sponsors including Ominvest, LNG, Petrogas, Daleel Petroleum, and the event partner Oman Across Ages Museum, who contributed significantly to the event’s triumph. This event marks another milestone in the ongoing effort to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote well-being in Oman.

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