On the Theme of “Anxiety”, this year’s Mental Health Awareness month is from 1st to 30th May 2023. Anxiety is a normal emotion in all, but sometimes it can get to a point which is out of control and become a mental health issue. Focusing on ‘Anxiety’ during Mental Health Awareness Month will increase people’s awareness and understanding of Anxiety by enhancing their knowledge on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem.
Dulsco Company, RAK branch, recognized the need to support its employees’ mental health and well-being, and requested the College of Nursing, GMU, to organize a comprehensive session on managing Anxiety.
On 3rd May, 2023, College of Nursing (CoN) organized a community engagement program at Dulsco Company’s Ras Al Khaimah branch, focusing on “Managing Anxiety“. The session was led by Dr. Soma Ibrahim, Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Gulf Medical University (GMU). It was followed by posters and video presentation by a group of 4th year students, 2019 cohort. The program was attended by 30 Emirati female employees.
The students presented a range of effective techniques for managing Anxiety, which included:
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps to calm the nervous system and reduce Anxiety. They led the employees through a guided deep breathing exercise to demonstrate its effectiveness.
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body to release tension and promote relaxation.
- Lifestyle Changes: Students suggested various lifestyle changes to help manage Anxiety, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet. They also recommended reducing caffeine intake and limiting exposure to stressors.
The program concluded with a Q&A session, where employees had the opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences related to anxiety. Dr. Soma Ibrahim provided personalized advice and encouraged open communication about mental health in the workplace.