From silence to strength: Sheikha Hamda Champions mental health in the UAE
“Mental health is not merely about addressing crises. It is about building a life of wellness, resilience, and hope. It’s about creating a world where no one suffers in silence, where seeking help is a sign of strength, and where support is accessible to all.”
This was the powerful message from Sheikha Hamda bint Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Ambassador of Mental Health Initiatives and Kids’ Wellbeing, as she delivered a moving speech at the 5th Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference.
Sheikha Hamda told the gathered audience of policymakers, clinicians and experts from around the world that the UAE’s approach is one that prioritizes preventative mental healthcare, early intervention, and community-driven support systems.
She emphasized that just as we seek immediate care for a physical ailment, the same mindset must be applied to mental well-being.
The UAE’s Leadership in Mental Health
Sheikha Hamda credited His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his visionary leadership in placing mental well-being at the forefront of national priorities. She highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts, such as the National Strategy for Well-being 2031.
“Our Father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, has given us a powerful vision by declaring 2025 the Year of Community. It is a reminder of what truly matters—our connections with one another.
“Let us create a nation where mental health is as openly discussed as physical health, and where stigma is replaced with support, and where every person feels safe to seek help.”
Breaking the Silence in Our Homes
While government initiatives are critical, Sheikha Hamda underscored that real change begins at home. As a mother, she spoke from the heart about the barriers that prevent open conversations about mental struggles—deeply rooted cultural values of privacy and family honor that sometimes discourage children from expressing their feelings.
“Our values of privacy and family honour are precious, but sometimes they create invisible walls that keep our children from opening up about their struggles.”
She called upon parents to foster environments where children feel safe discussing their fears, anxieties, and emotional battles. The modern world presents new challenges—social media pressures, body image issues, and academic expectations—that many young people face alone.
The Alarming Reality: Mental Health in Youth
Sheikha Hamda presented statistics that shed light on the silent struggles of the younger generation:
- 1 in 7 young people globally experience mental health conditions.
- Half of these conditions begin by the age of 14, yet many go undiagnosed..
- 1 in 5 teens struggle with eating disorders.
- 25% of teenagers have participated in online challenges that put them at risk.
- The average teenager spends over seven hours a day on social media, more time than they spend with family or even sleeping.
- 30% of adolescents in the UAE report body image concerns, often fueled by unrealistic social media standards
“These numbers are not just statistics—they are reflections of the silent battles our children fight every day.”
A Collective Responsibility
Sheikha Hamda’s message was clear: mental health is a shared responsibility. She called upon parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to work together in dismantling stigmas and providing compassionate, accessible support systems.
“To the parents in the room—you are the first line of defense. Your love, your understanding, and your openness can help break the silence around mental health.”
She also addressed educators and healthcare professionals, urging them to see their roles not just as jobs, but as sacred trusts in the mission to protect and nurture young minds.
Finally, her words to the youth were particularly poignant:
“Your struggles do not define you. Your courage to seek help, to speak up, and to support one another will light the way for generations to come.”
A Promise for the Future
Sheikha Hamda closed her speech with a personal tribute to her mother, crediting her as the foundation of her resilience and empathy. It was a reminder that behind every strong individual is a support system of love, understanding, and unwavering belief.
“This is not just a vision. It is a promise—to our nation, to our leaders, and to our children.”
With these words, she left the audience inspired, urging them to rise to the challenge not just for today, but for the future of the UAE.
The conference served as a powerful milestone, reinforcing that mental health is not a solitary battle, but a collective mission—one that requires unity, compassion, and the courage to tear away the silence.
