As Oman advances technologically and attracts increasing international investment, its people stand to benefit greatly, particularly through improved education and healthcare. Yet progress always carries a cost. For Omanis, especially men, it also brings new pressures.
For much of my life, I suffered from depression. I sought professional help, and with the support of a good therapist and appropriate medication, my life became more stable.
In time, I was better able to cope with the pressures of running several businesses. My experience has shown me that mental illness is a health issue, not a personal failing.
Oman has recognised the need for greater support for citizens experiencing mental-health problems, but further progress will depend on ensuring that people feel safe seeking help without judgement.
Families have an essential role to play by learning to recognise the signs of depression in a loved one. A man may not speak openly about his problems. Instead, he may become increasingly irritable or angry, become distant, tired, and lose interest in activities he once enjoyed.
These may indicate that someone is struggling and needs understanding and support.
For generations, many Omani men understood their role in fairly clear terms. They were expected to provide for their families and contribute to society. These responsibilities remain, but the world around them is changing dramatically.
Today, a man may be expected to succeed in a highly competitive workplace, adapt to new technology, and manage family finances. He may also be expected to maintain traditional male responsibilities while meeting modern standards of professional achievement. However, change can create opportunity.
Oman’s economic development is opening doors that previous generations could scarcely have imagined. Young Omanis can study new subjects at school and enter emerging professions. Improved medical services and greater awareness of health can also lead to longer lives. Opportunities become pressure when people feel they must succeed without showing uncertainty or asking for help.
Many men have been taught that strength means silence. They may conceal anxiety, disappointment, or exhaustion because they fear being judged as weak.
A man struggling at work, worried about money or experiencing difficulties at home may remain silent until his problems become overwhelming. Social media presents edited images of success, wealth and happiness. Comparing real life with these public performances creates a sense of failure, even when a person is doing reasonably well.
The rapid pace of change can also leave older men feeling that the knowledge and skills that once gave them confidence are no longer enough.
Families and communities have an important role to play. Men need to know that responsibility does not require emotional isolation. Speaking honestly with a trusted relative, friend, religious leader, or health professional is not a rejection of tradition. It is a practical way of protecting oneself and one’s family.
Workplaces should recognise that productivity depends on well-being. Employers can support staff through reasonable expectations and higher salaries, proper training, and access to professional advice.
Employees who are afraid to admit difficulty may appear strong, but it often hides problems until they affect health and performance. Schools and universities can help prepare young men for more than employment. Academic knowledge matters, but so do communication, financial literacy and the ability to cope with pressure. These are essential skills for adult life.
Oman’s progress should not be measured only by new buildings, advanced technology or foreign investment. It should also be judged by whether people feel able to live with dignity and confidence within this changing society.
Oman’s development offers citizens many opportunities, but it also asks them to adapt. They should not be expected to carry that burden alone. A healthy society is one in which responsibility is shared, difficulties can be discussed, and seeking help is regarded not as failure, but as wisdom. Oman’s future will be strongest when economic and technological progress is matched by equal attention to the people expected to sustain it.
My own experience has taught me that seeking professional help can restore not only an individual’s well-being, but also his ability to contribute to his family, his work and society.
Karim Easterbrook
The writer is a Former Cambridge School Principal and Author
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