Abu Dhabi: An Emirati mum in Abu Dhabi who overcame depression is now fighting a bigger battle – breaking the taboo surrounding the subject.
“A lot of people in my community suffer from depression, but they will not admit it and seek professional help,” said Sarah Al Sennani, a management system specialist with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.
Sarah has set up a support group called Osturaa (Arabic word for legacy) to help such people. The group organises cognitive behavioural therapy sessions, meetings, cooking classes and a host of other events where people battling the chronic illness share their experiences.
“The message we are trying to convey through Osturaa Support Alliance is ‘Remove the stigma’ We encourage people to talk about what they are going through. The idea is to make them comfortable about expressing their feelings so they can tackle depression,” said Sarah, who is expecting her third child. Sarah has a five-year-old boy and three-year-old daughter.
It was Sarah’s own fight against depression a year ago that prompted her to reach out to other victims. “There was a lot of pressure on me. I was pursuing my masters, doing a full-time job and taking care of my two kids. I became melancholic.
“My sister is a doctor and she told me I had all the symptoms of depression. I was lucky to have the support of my family. But what really helped me was going back to doing what I enjoyed as a youngster. I listed out five things that I was passionate about and started making time for painting, cooking, outdoor sports. Slowly I saw the change in me,” she said.
Helping others is not easy, she said, particularly those who are scared to admit they have a problem. “A lot of people approach me on the condition of anonymity. This will not serve the purpose. I will continue my fight. I am seeking sponsors and volunteers to make Osturaa more effective,” she said.
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