Coping in crisis mode: The growing burden on mental wellbeing

Stigma continues to be a major barrier to mental health care. In an interview with Annahar, psychiatrist Dr. Sami Richa stressed the importance of seeking treatment when needed, stating: “Some people believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness or madness, so they avoid specialized care and turn to inappropriate solutions, such as unspecialized consultations or taking medication without medical supervision. By the time they reach us, their condition is more complex and more difficult to treat.”