0  0

I think between us we’ve agreed that something has to be done and you’re probably right – we can’t guarantee that the people who can change things do read this blog. However, I feel quite confident that they do – if only to make sure Mahmood doesn’t overstep the line. BUT, even if they do read our comments, chances are they are so blinkered in their ways that……….

By the way, in the West (certainly the UK) attempted suicide is still, technically, a criminal offence. However, the victim doesn’t end up in court but is referred for immediate psychiatric assesment and treatment (thankfully).

As, probably, a final entry on this subject there are UAE families that are intelligent enough to acknowledge their children are having problems and hire private counsellors to provide assistance (subject to absolute secrecy). How do I know? My wife is qualified in psychiatry.

And the biggest cause of their behavioural problems? The enormous chasm of difference between the “strict” Islamic doctrine of acceptable behaviour versus the behaviour (and apparent total freedom) of westerners on vacation. An interesting, almost impossible to resolve, conundrum.

0  0

I really enjoyed reading the book up until this point because I so strongly disagree w/ keeping too many secrets, especially if they’re tearing you up emotionally or hiding something bad that’s happening to you, etc. Sadly enough, I think this part of the world and probably other parts of the world go along w/ this mentality… basically it’s better not to talk about your business to others… I guess hoping that problemz will solve themselves or just go away, which never happens. This is probably why ppl don’t go to counselors/therapy.

I think when something bad happens in families here, they want to sweep it under the carpet… thinking that it’ll look bad if ppl find out or that, like someone said, that only crazy ppl go and get help for their problems… I don’t know really, but I know that what they did to this girl won’t help her, and it makes me sad for her because it might affect the rest of her life in a very negative fashion.

The one thing that bothers me about life here is that many families basically brain wash/manipulate and control their children, in such an unhealthy way. Independence isn’t looked at as a good thing and how dare someone make their own decisions. I know all families aren’t like this, but, sadly, many are and I think it lends itself to situations like what we see in the paper…. this girl trying to kill herself, and other things like drug use, alcoholism, violence in families, abuse, etc. etc.

I hope frank discussions like this will help ppl see that things need to change…. but… are ppl, who need this information and need to change, reading this blog?? OR listening? Probably not … so the cycle continues. With some ppl… it’s only when something bad hits you square in the face will a change occur.

0  0

You also have a point about the family involvement. Despite their best efforts (occasionally, if lucky), the victims family is too emotionally attached and is unable to perform a clear analysis of the problem and make objective recommendations as to the best form of treatment. “Snap out of it” just doesn’t help. Certainly “get control over your life” is practically impossible in some family environments.

In short, all of the contributors to this subject matter recognise the difficulty in treating/dealing with mental health issues, but it needs a concerted and educated approach by the appropriate authorities to make any significant and helpful progress.

Well done Mahmood, your somewhat tongue-in-cheek opening post has brought the whole subject out into the open for healthy debate.

0  0

I think the problem here is that, like what Isa and Hamad say, that there’s a stigma attached to therapy in this part of the world. It’s not seen as a good thing.

My therapist once told me that mentally stable ppl get help… it’s the others you have to worry about.

In all honesty, I think a lot of ppl could use a good dose of counseling. There’s so much stress in the world today….. it can’t help but make for better attitudes and such. I highly recommend it… and only wish that in this girl’s case that they had referred her to a therapist. She desperately needs to talk to someone…. because I see it like Sara…. she’s desperately crying out and wants something different than her family. It’s sad that ppl aren’t given the choice here of who they want to marry w/ many being forced into marriages and then being so unhappy that one or both get involved in extra marital affairs and such.

0  0

0  0

0  0

Re pumping the stomach, I should say that, from my previous “security force” life, the experience does tend to attain a higher than 90% success rate when it comes to avoiding repeats of overdosing. Unfortunately, the ‘victims’ will try to find another method of finishing their lives. Freeway fly-over anyone?!

I think that’s the most serious posting I’ve ever made, but mental health problems are extremely tragic and sweeping the issue under the carpet will not help these poor souls. Mind you, throwing them in jail doesn’t help either.

0  0

0  0

0  0