Unspoken UAE
15% of the UAE struggles with mental illness. With financial pressures and poor work-life balance, workplace-related mental illness is one major issue. But, the region isn’t open to discussing workplace mental health. There’s prevalent stigma around mental health in the UAE especially in workplaces, that stops people from seeking help. Those coming out with mental health struggles, are seen as being weak, inefficient and unproductive. People have been conditioned to think that if they do get help, it is a sign of personal weakness. So, sufferers are unlikely to be forthcoming and ask for treatment, or even disclose their struggles to their employers. And many cases remain unspoken.
The artists’ illustrations were compiled into a book of unspoken feelings. Starting World Health Day on October 10, the books were distributed across 300 workplaces in the UAE, reaching them in a more intimate and personal space. The book has a contact page at the end that encourages those resonating with the feelings and emotions in the book, to remember that they are not alone, and prompts them to reach out and contact Lighthouse should they feel the need to talk. Targeted messages across UAE’s workplaces invited conversations. Social media platforms, such as Instagram, extended the message. Art exhibitions integrated the topic into UAE’s cultural scene. An original fashion collection that was designed and created encouraged opening up. Workplace workshops across the UAE were conducted. Regional influencers joined in and spread the word. Previously unspoken stories were now being spoken of.