Muscat: The First GCC Mental Health Conference began today under the theme 'Access to Services: Mental Health During Disasters and Emergencies'. The three-day event is organized by the Ministry of Health, represented by Al Masarra Hospital, and it coincides with World Mental Health Day.

According to Oman News Agency, the opening ceremony was presided over by Sulaiman Nasser Al Haji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs. It was attended by government officials, specialists, and researchers in the field of mental health from Oman and other GCC countries. The conference aims to raise public awareness about mental health and provide a platform for researchers, decision-makers, and health professionals to exchange expertise and knowledge.

The conference seeks to showcase the latest research and strategies that contribute to improving access to effective mental health services. The first day's sessions covered topics such as addiction, artificial intelligence (AI), and the role of traditional and social media in mental health awareness.

Omani researchers presented research papers on "Early screening for autism spectrum disorder," "Stigma about seeking psychological assistance," and "Types of psychological stress among family caregivers." The sessions also included discussions on smart technologies' role in supporting mental health services and the Ministry of Health's plan to integrate AI into its services, aligning with Oman Vision 2040.

The opening ceremony concluded with a tour of an exhibition featuring field studies and research on various topics related to mental health.