The Arabian country of Oman is considered a highly developed country, with 0% of its population living below the poverty line. The country, whose primary income is from oil and gas production, reduced the number of those living in poverty by more than half from 1990 to 2015. While Oman remains a luminary in economic diversification and poverty reduction, social stigmas still stunt further development. Mental health treatment in Oman is inaccessible for most.

The Current State of Mental Health

Public Health in Oman has been on a healthy increase for the past four decades, with infrastructure keeping in demand with Oman’s steadily growing population. That being said, mental health facilities are rarely incorporated within comprehensive medical services. 

One impediment to accessing mental health services is the apparent lack of mental health facilities. Oman’s geography consists of sprawling deserts with concentrated pockets of civilization. Subsequently, facilities are often lacking in rural or less populated areas, with an influx in major urban areas. Even when mental health services are available, many people are hesitant to seek help. There is a belief in many Middle Eastern countries that mental health issues are borne of spiritual evils and acts of the devil. As a result, many Omanis prefer to seek traditional healers rather than mental health professionals. 

The Practice of Shackling

Pervasive stigmas in Omani society lead to abhorrent practices, especially in rural areas, known as “shackling.”

Stigma and superstition about mental health in Oman are the reasons why hundreds of men, women and children are confined to filthy, locked rooms. Shackling occurs when people with supposed mental health issues are trapped in a room, often lacking sanitation services and proper nutrition, in an attempt to expel said mental health issues. These appalling practices are ineffective and induce further stress among patients and their families. 

Efforts To Provide Help and Destigmatize Mental Health Services

The Omani government has made minor efforts to improve the public perception and accessibility of services regarding mental health in Oman. Regardless, mental health services are still difficult to find. Certain hospitals such as Al Hayat International Hospital and the Muscat Private Hospital offer mental health services. 

Further development in mental health destigmatization is actually brought by students in Oman. In 2023, students in Oman developed a mobile phone application called Chillax, which helps users assess their mental health needs, book short sessions and learn about mental health conditions. 

There is still much to be done about the public perception and state of mental health in Oman. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many health care workers experienced mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Women in Omani society are also especially vulnerable to mental health issues as institutional negligence is often perpetuated by a lack of legal protections for victims of abuse. The confluence of social inequity and perceptual stigma has obstructed access to mental health services in Oman. Hopefully, as awareness is raised by hospitals and the people of Oman, further developments are made possible.

– Inaya Lala
Photo: Wikimedia