“I am fine.”
“I’m just tired.”
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
How many of us have heard these phrases - or a variation of them - when we ask about someone’s well-being? The sad reality is that these words often act as a shield, deflecting serious questions about depression and mental health. They create an impenetrable fortress that, though intended to protect, can sometimes cause more harm than good.
On World Mental Health Day, it’s more important than ever to reflect on what lies beneath these words and to recognize that talking, while crucial, is not enough. When the shield comes down, revealing the depth of their struggles as they actively seek help? Having open and transparent conversations is undeniably an essential first step, but it most certainly cannot stand alone, especially when neither party is equipped with the expertise of a mental health professional capable of taking it to the next step of healing. Without proper guidance, these conversations, as well-intentioned as they may be, risk falling short of achieving profound change.
In Saudi Arabia, as in many parts of the world, depression remains a shadowed topic - often whispered about, yet seldom fully understood. The stigma surrounding depression is deeply entrenched in the region’s cultural perceptions, often being mischaracterized as a weakness or personal failing. This misconception creates an invisible barrier that prevents individuals from getting the help they desperately need, leaving many to suffer in solitude without the support and care they deserve.
As someone who has spent more than two decades working across global healthcare systems, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of mental health challenges and how this issue reveals the extent of human lives in distress. This sends a clear message that we must move beyond just talking and step into acceptance and action. Changing mindsets at the community level is not just an option - it is critical. At Johnson & Johnson, we are guided by an enduring mission to improve health for all. We remain dedicated to addressing mental health challenges, as we believe that advancing mental health is a cornerstone of societal well-being.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in tackling mental health challenges on a national scale. Leading this movement is the National Center for Mental Health Promotion (NCMHP), which is dedicated to raising public awareness, combating stigma, and expanding mental health services throughout the Kingdom. These initiatives are further supported by the Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP), a cornerstone of Vision 2030, which has prioritized enhancing access to all aspects of healthcare, with mental health as a key focus.
World Mental Health Day serves as a global reminder that mental health is everyone’s concern. Access to care must be our starting point. Although the expansion of mental health services in Saudi Arabia is evident—thanks in large part to ongoing national reforms—many barriers remain. There is an urgent need for more mental health professionals, particularly in rural communities, where people frequently lack adequate resources. Increased facilities, expanded outreach, and a wider range of support options are essential for reaching those in need.
At the same time, the quality of care must go beyond basic adequacy; it should be compassionate, effective, and responsive to the diverse needs of individuals seeking help. Equally crucial is breaking the stigma that continues to shackle people from openly seeking help. This stigma has deep roots in cultural and religious perceptions that tend to perpetuate a cycle of shame and fear that discourages individuals from reaching out. The pain of depression is isolating enough without adding the weight of societal judgment.
We need to shift the narrative around mental health - no longer should it be a source of shame, but a challenge to be confronted with courage. Education will undoubtedly play a major role in this transformation, with schools, workplaces, and community organizations carrying the torch in championing mental health awareness and providing the tools for people to recognize and address depression without fear or misunderstanding.
The community must also be an active participant in this shift. Mental health is not only a medical issue; it is a societal one. Families, friends, and employers must step forward as allies. Workplaces, for example, can play a pivotal role by creating environments where employees feel safe to discuss their mental health struggles. Having worked with various healthcare teams across multiple regions, I have witnessed how environments that prioritize well-being and offer meaningful support empower individuals to thrive - not just at work, but in life. Implementing policies that promote well-being and offering counseling services can make all the difference. When people feel supported and heard, they are far more likely to take the first steps toward recovery.
This World Mental Health Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to breaking down barriers and building a more compassionate society. The path to a mentally healthy society is long and arduous, but it is within our reach. We possess the power to make a real difference, because no one should have to fight their mental health battles in darkness. Every person deserves to be seen, to be heard, and to be embraced wholeheartedly by an understanding and empathetic society, allowing them to live a full, happy, and meaningful life.