Why we should take some data with a pinch of salt
Last week, a friend sent me a video of a psychiatrist citing a study that claimed 11 per cent of the population in Oman is depressed. My friend wanted to know if this was true and, if so, what might...
Cooking as therapy, lessons from a Korean Drama
The South Korean drama “Bon appétit, your majesty” captured my attention not only for its amazing historical setting but for the warmth and subtle emotional lessons embedded within its story. The...
When parenthood becomes a moral dilemma
Mrs A is a 44-year-old housewife and a mother of three daughters. She was diagnosed with depression following the birth of her middle daughter, who had autism. At a recent consultation, Mrs A informed...
The art of dealing with difficult people
At a recent workshop, a colleague shared an incident that caused her frustration. She described a team member who seemed to constantly undermine her during meetings, interrupting her points,...
Why do couples argue, and how do they heal
A few weeks ago, social media platforms shared the story of a man from northern Italy who decided to go out for a walk to calm his nerves after an argument with his wife, but the short walk turned...
Are you for or against delaying retirement age?
I recently met a school friend I had not seen in years. After the usual greetings, the first question he asked was: “Have you retired from your job?” I usually find this question slightly...
Do we need dementia-friendly hospitals?
At a recent workshop, a nurse shared her experience with a 78-year-old patient who had Alzheimer’s disease. He had been admitted with a chest infection, but during his stay, he became increasingly...
Can virtual reality heal the mind?
Last weekend, my son brought a virtual reality headset and suggested that I try it. The game he had installed was a virtual reality roller coaster, and all I had to do was sit in a chair facing the TV...
Love and memory in the shadow of Alzheimer’s
The documentary 'Malcolm and Barbara: Love’s Farewell' captures the painful journey of a man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 51 years old. Over the course of eleven years, the film...
Have you heard of ChatGPT psychosis?
I have recently come across the story of Stein-Erik Soelberg, a 56-year-old former Yahoo technology executive who had a history of alcoholism and mental illness. He killed his 83-year-old mother...
Can meditation be bad for you?
For many years, meditation was presented as a universal solution for a wide range of psychological and physical issues, from managing work-related stress to healing from trauma and alleviating chronic...
Can your phone become a source of stress?
We've all been there: you forget your phone at home and panic about getting reunited with it. When you check into a hotel at your holiday destination, the first thing you ask for is the Wi-Fi...
The quiet struggles behind Alzheimer’s caregiving
Last week, a man came to my clinic to attend his wife’s hospital appointment, as she is now bedridden and unable to talk. The woman had end-stage Alzheimer’s disease and her husband has been the...
From stigma to support: The story of Khosrow
Watching movies can be relaxing during a weekend or holiday, but it can also be a way to learn about other cultures, their customs and geopolitical situations. So when my Iranian friend recommended...
Can emotional intelligence be a burden?
Whenever I attend a management or leadership course, scroll through social media, or read self-help books, emotional intelligence is almost always highlighted as a key to winning the 'hearts and...
The emotional struggles of mental health caregivers
Ahmed (not his real name) was in his early twenties when he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He believed he was a time traveller who had lost his time machine and become stuck in the present. He kept...
How to boost motivation to exercise
I must admit that I am running out of excuses every time my eldest son asks me, “When are you coming with me to the gym?”. Sometimes I say I have a Zoom meeting or need to complete a report, but...
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...