SSEF hosts workshop on early family mental health care

Purpose of the workshop

The goal of the workshop was to empower guardians to adopt more effective communication strategies that are beneficial for their children, particularly as part of programs aimed at enhancing the stability of fatherless families. It sought to raise awareness of the importance of early psychological intervention, clarify indicators that suggest a need for consulting a psychologist, and eliminate the social stigma and misconceptions surrounding viewing psychological help as a weakness.

Enhancing positive psychological communication

The workshop focused on enhancing positive psychological communication skills and effective listening within the family, while also equipping guardians with practical strategies to support their children in coping with life's pressures. Key topics addressed during the session included recognising the need for visiting a doctor or psychologist, breaking the stigma associated with mental health, and the importance of fostering positive communication and active listening among family members. Interactive activities included an open discussion about the embarrassment surrounding visits to a psychologist and a working paper where widows shared their difficult experiences and how psychological intervention could have helped them overcome those challenges.

Communication skills focus

The workshop concluded with an emphasis on mental health as a cornerstone of family stability, highlighting that seeking help is a courageous and responsible step rather than something to be ashamed of. The significance of positive communication and active listening was reiterated as practical tools for supporting children and alleviating family stress.

Open discussions

Duaa Mohamed Othman, a psychological specialist at the foundation, stated, “We believe that empowering guardians psychologically is key to empowering their children. When guardians feel stable and capable of managing stress, this directly benefits their children, providing them with a safe and healthy environment for growth and development.”  She further noted that the workshop aims to raise awareness about the importance of early psychological intervention and break down social barriers related to seeking help.

Key messages

The foundation is committed to implementing more initiatives and quality programs that support guardians, enabling them to raise their children in a positive environment characterised by dialogue, listening, and constructive communication. Psychological empowerment programs are considered essential in supporting beneficiaries and their families, based on the belief that balanced mental health is the foundation for families to face challenges resiliently and create an environment conducive to building confident personalities capable of envisioning a better future.