The Mental Health Service of Hamad Medical Corporation has launched a helpline to provide support for people experiencing stress or psychological distress, as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Working with the Ministry of Public Health and the Primary Healthcare Corporation this is a national initiative that will support all sections of the community.
The helpline is staffed by experienced mental health professionals who can provide assessment and support to callers through four main categories: Children and Young People (and parents), Adults, Older People, and Frontline Healthcare Workers.
“The situation we are facing is unprecedented. The emergence of COVID-19 here in Qatar has forced us to completely change many aspects of how we live our lives and with this change comes uncertainty,’’ said Mr. Mahmoud Saleh Al-Raisi, Chair of the National Taskforce for Mental Health and Wellbeing and HMC’s Chief of Continuing Care Group.
“Many people are understandably worried by the current situation and may feel frightened, confused, anxious, or low. It is important that people understand that these feelings are normal and that there is help available for them. This mental health helpline aims to provide an easily-accessible support line for people in need of professional advice and care,’’ added Mr. Al Raisi.
To access the helpline, which is available from 7 am to 10 pm every day, members of the public can call the toll free number, 16000. The helpline is confidential and users can remain anonymous, avoiding the stigma often associated with mental health.
The professional staff taking calls at the helpline speak a range of languages and every effort will be made to enable callers to communicate in their language of choice. Staff will make an initial assessment of need, may offer brief support or refer for more specialist help when this is required. An appointment can be made on the line and a tele-consultation can be arranged with a suitable clinician.
