Manama:MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan took part in a workshop on mental health, focusing on adapting to digital fatigue, economic pressures, and uncertainty. This participation was part of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Parliamentary Division delegation at the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
According to Bahrain News Agency, MP Hassan highlighted Bahrain's comprehensive approach to mental health, emphasizing it as a key component of quality of life, public health, and social cohesion. He explained that Bahrain's strategy includes developing legislation and policies, enhancing awareness and prevention, supporting individuals facing psychological or social pressures, and fostering partnerships among health, education, family, and community institutions.
MP Hassan further elaborated on Bahrain's efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health and support prevention and early intervention, especially for children and young people. These initiatives aim to identify mental health challenges early and enhance individuals' coping abilities.
He also noted the legislative authority's role in these efforts through legislation, oversight, and follow-up on national policies and programs. This integration supports healthcare and social protection, creating more supportive environments at home, in education, and at work. MP Hassan stressed that promoting mental health requires more than treatment services, including reducing stress sources, enhancing prevention, and building resilience in families and communities.
MP Hassan affirmed the importance of comprehensive legislation and policies that integrate mental health into various sectors such as education, social affairs, the labor market, and the digital environment. He emphasized the role of parliamentary oversight in assessing policy effectiveness, measuring impact, and ensuring support reaches those most in need.
He concluded by underscoring that mental health is a shared responsibility across families, schools, workplaces, and health, social, and legislative institutions. He called for a shift from problem response to prevention, and from symptom treatment to addressing underlying causes. Investment in mental health, he stated, is an investment in people, family cohesion, community productivity, and the ability of future generations to face challenges confidently and resiliently.