This pandemic has taken us all by surprise. It has forced us to adapt our daily lives, the way we relate and connect with one another, and the way we do our work. Especially now that most of us are working from home. This unprecedented crisis has brought light to the importance of taking care of our mental health, especially while we navigate these challenging times.
The Importance of Mental Health at Work
The Importance of Mental Health at Work
Articles
Prioritizing mental health in the workplace can bring an array of positive outcomes. A mindful leader inspires a mindful team which, in return, develops better results. Here are some of the reasons why you should start making mental health a workplace priority:
It boosts productivity.
When people feel good about their jobs, their tasks, and the emotional atmosphere that the leader has set up, they tend to have a better performance at work. Working at a calm and positive space boosts productivity. And, when we provide better results, we tend to feel a sense of accomplishment, which strengthens our self-esteem and self-worth.
It fosters a sense of belonging.
When there’s a culture of respect and mental health, people tend to feel there’s a sense of belonging. And, consequently, this helps to strengthen the team bond and deliver better results for the company and workplace.
It minimizes stress.
Stress levels have been increasing since the start of this pandemic. When we have a vulnerable leader who sets the mood and space to take care of mental health, stress levels decrease. And a brain that manages stress levels appropriately is a brain that can think clearly and solve problems with higher agility.
It strengthens work relationships.
There are few people aside from your coworkers that can actually grasp the nuances that “come with the job” (no pun intended). When we seize opportunities to practice vulnerability, we are also strengthening our work relationships, which can also help set up a mindful support system to help us manage the difficult emotions brought up by this pandemic.
It reduces the mental health stigma.
When leaders start a conversation around mental health, they’re sending a strong message that allows people to join in. The more we can talk about mental health, the better. It reduces the stigma and shame surrounding this crucial topic.
It fosters empathy and kindness.
Showing up fully human, and allowing ourselves to be seen that way (even by our coworkers), can help develop powerful skills such as empathy and kindness. And we all know that we can’t ever have too much of that.
Managing our emotions and taking care of our mental health are two important steps towards a healthier and more mindful society. It starts within ourselves, but it can have a huge impact on our coworkers, our workplace, and our companies. Let’s start having more mental health conversations at work.
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Harpreet Saini
Consultant Psychologist - English, Hindi & Punjabi
CDA Licensed Psychologist - 13+ Years
Dr. Mohammed Fried Ahmed
Clinical Psychologist - Arabic
PHD Psychotherapy - 6+ Years
Khansa Abd Almalik
Clinical Psychologist - Arabic
PHD Psychotherapy - 6+ Years
Prerna Siroya
Counselling Psychologist - English & Hindi
CDA Licensed Psychologist - 4+ Years
Dina Alqedra
Clinical Psychologist - Arabic & English
DHA Licensed Psychologist - 6+ Years
Nuzhat Basheer
Consultant psychologist - English, Hindi & Tamil
CDA Licensed Psychologist, M.Sc. in Psychology - 10+ Years
Vidushi Sukam
Consultant Psychologist - English, Hindi & Punjabi
CDA Licensed Psychologist | RCI Licensed Rehabilitation Psychologist - 13+ Years
Olena Taleski
Counselling Psychologist - English and Russian
Master Degree in Psychology - 13+ Years
Simrah Hamdulay
Consultant psychologist - English and Hindi
CDA Licensed Psychologist, MSc in Child and Adolescent Psychology - 3+ Years
Javaria Zahra
Counselling Psychologist - English, Urdu and Hindi
MD/ MS/ MPhil in Applied Psychology - 16+ Years
Fatima Altaf
Counselling Psychologist - Urdu, Hindi and English
Msc. Psychology - 8+ Years
Aarhie Kaushik
Clinical Psychologist - English & Hindi
Msc. Psychology - 8+ Years
Dr. Febna Moorkath
Psychiatric Social Worker - English & Malayalam
PhD & M.Phil in Psychiatric Social Work - 10+ Years
Dr. Fatemeh Abdi
Clinical Psychologist - English and Persian
PhD. in Psychology - 20+ Years
Dr. Azizreza Ghasemzadehi
Counselling Psychologist - Farsi & English
PhD in Psychology & Education of Exceptional Children - 20+ Years
Saima Khan
Clinical Psychologist - English, Urdu, Punjabi & Pashto
Ph.D. Scholar in Clinical Psychology - 6 Years
Kinan Ali
Counselling Psychologist - Arabic and English
PhD. in Psychology - 6 Years
Dr. Abdelaziz Osman
Consultant Psychiatrist - Arabic and English
MD, AB, Msc, Cert - 20+ Years
Naeema Ali
Psychologist - Arabic & English
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Graduation in Psychology, (Phd) - 30 Years
Dr. Mohammed Bardi
Consultant Psychiatrist - Arabic, English
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD
M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) - 15 years
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