Fatima Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Dr. Sami Badawood, Director of Health Affairs in Jeddah, has announced that a new 500-bed hospital for mental health will be ready in two years. This hospital will be equipped to welcome cases that need medical supervision. Badawood was speaking on the sidelines of an event marking the World Mental Health Day under the title “Depression — a Global Crisis.” He said depression and stress are results of the fast changing lifestyle, which made it necessary for people to visit psychologists. Personal, social and economic issues are main causes for depression, said Badawood, adding: “We cannot make depression disappear totally but we help cure and aid patients by providing counseling and medications that have minimal side effects.” The Kingdom's participation in the World Mental Health Day is to increase awareness about being frank when discussing mental illnesses and encouraging investment in combating and treating psychological disorders. Samira Al-Ghamdi, the chairwoman of the board of directors of Himaya family protection society, said this international day was first celebrated in 1992 based on an initiative from the World Federation for Mental Health, which currently has members and representatives from 150 countries. One in every 10 people suffers from depression and is in need of special care, said Al-Ghamdi citing statistics. Over 450 million people around the world suffer from psychological disorders. “Mental health is the base for insuring a healthy individual who is able to function normally in society,” she said. Al-Ghamdi said the illness results in disturbing the mood of patients and obstructs their daily routine. It also negatively affects productivity in work and study and the relationship of the patient with family members.
