The psychology of decision-making
A friend recently shared with me his experience helping his son make a critical decision: choosing a wife.The young man, after not meeting the woman of his dreams on his own, decided to consult his...
Why do people get addicted to Korean dramas?
A friend once told me about his teenage daughter’s fascination with Korean drama after spending hours watching TV series during the summer holidays. She was able to learn some words, make Korean...
Can we still keep calm and carry on?
Over the last few days, I started listening to the BBC while driving to and from work for the latest updates on the war between Israel and Iran, and in the afternoon while exploring social media I...
The ethics of using AI to predict patient choices
I recently attended a conference on bioethics in Switzerland where professionals from different countries met to discuss recent topics in medical ethics which was the main theme of this year’s...
The balance between passion and job market
As the school year comes to an end, high school graduates undergo the process of higher education applications, paving the path that will determine their future.Most students are forced to choose...
Listening to dementia caregivers
Listening to dementia caregivers is crucial in providing support for both the caregivers and the patients. Being able to offer a safe and non-judgemental space for caregivers to express their anger,...
Can ChatGPT save your marriage?
Those who support the use of artificial intelligence as a marital counsellor believe that it offers a neutral, judgement-free space for couples to discuss their concerns and seek advice.My friend, who...
Not just another case of teen suicide
“Suicide, at any age, is a major issue for the family members and the whole society yet it could be even more devastating when the victim is a child or a teenager”.Last week, social media...
Lessons from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’
“Psychologists believe that healing from trauma centres around regulating the central nervous system through rhythm, repetition and bodily safety”.I have always found watching Korean dramas...
Can anyone be called a psychologist?
In many countries, psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counsellors undergo years of training, certification, and supervision before practising.A recent report published in The Economist showed...
Why many abuse victims choose silence
I must admit that am not a big fan of Arabic drama but when I heard about the Egyptian series ‘Lam shamsiya’ I was curious to check it out. The 15-episode series centres around an 8-year-old boy...
Balancing boundaries and compassion in elderly care
I recently participated in a panel discussion about how to care for an elderly parent. The event was attended by healthcare workers, caregivers and concerned family members who shared their...
‘Adolescence,’ a TV drama about boys, screens, and society
The TV series ‘Adolescence’ starts with a police squad raiding a house to arrest a 13-year-old Jamie who was sleeping in his bed. At the police station, we are shown CCTV footage of Jamie...
When a parent has a severe mental illness
Mrs A opened the door to my clinic and greeted me by bowing and saying, “You summoned me, my lord.” She sat in the chair opposite me with a big smile on her face. I could tell immediately that she...
The psychological struggles of job-seekers
I have recently listened to a podcast titled ‘The Struggles of the Unemployed that Others Don’t Know About,’ in which a 23-year-old Saudi man shares his personal experience with unemployment,...
Breaking the cycle of negative illness behaviour
My son had recently undergone a major dental surgery which made him unable to chew food for weeks so he survived on soup and smoothie. The lack of carbohydrates in his food and being at home all the...
Is quiet quitting a solution or a workplace stress?
I have known Dr S for over ten years, from when he first joined our department as a trainee and then progressed to become a consultant. Throughout these years he strikes me as one of the highly...
Making the most of your time in Ramadhan
A few days before Ramadhan, I was giving a talk about work-life balance and one of the participants asked, “How can a working mother balance her time during Ramadhan when she is expected to go to...
Ramadhan: A month of discipline and virtue
As the holy month of Ramadhan begins, millions of Muslims worldwide embark on a spiritual journey of fasting, prayers, and self-reflection. But beyond its religious significance, Ramadhan serves as a...
How to finish everything you start
This year, I decided not to make any New Year's resolutions simply because I have not completed many of last year's, and I believe that I am not alone. According to a study from Columbia University,...