A Sound Mind in a Sound Body: Mental Health Matters
By: Nada N. Sattar
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Prime Care organized a special two-session CPD activity held at the Prime Care Education and Training Hall. This initiative highlighted the growing need to support nurses who face the ongoing pressures of stress, emotional fatigue, and burnout. With almost 100 participants, the turnout reflected the strong commitment of nurses to understanding and safeguarding their mental well-being.
The program opened with the Qatar National Anthem, followed by a heartfelt welcome message from Nurse Supervisor Jenissa Arrabis, representing Operations Manager Ms. Jobita Barnes. Her remarks set an encouraging tone for the day, reminding participants that caring for their mental health is just as vital as the care they give their patients. A pre-test was conducted afterward, adding a light and motivating start as the top three scorers were acknowledged through a friendly leaderboard.
Ms. Arrabis then introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Salvador “Budz” Castillo II, a highly esteemed Counseling Psychologist with nearly three decades of experience across clinical, academic, and industrial settings. His expertise enriched the event and played a central role in its success.
The morning session focused on understanding how workplace culture affects mental health and identifying the risk factors that contribute to burnout. Mr. Castillo encouraged open dialogue, enabling participants to reflect on their personal experiences and recognize the subtle yet powerful influences of the work environment. After a short break, the afternoon session continued with equally engaging discussions on the clinical signs of burnout, evidence-based strategies for prevention, and practical coping tools such as mindfulness and breathing exercises. Nurses took part in guided relaxation, group sharing, and stress-management activities, creating an atmosphere that was both educational and healing.
As the sessions concluded, a post-test was administered to assess knowledge gained throughout the activity. The SPC team presented Mr. Castillo with a token of appreciation, recognizing his valuable contribution to the program. Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Abdulkarim Agga, Head of the Education Department, who emphasized the vital role of mental health support within the healthcare sector. He reminded everyone that caring for caregivers strengthens the very foundation of the healthcare system, stating, “When we invest in the mental health of our nurses, we not only protect our caregivers but elevate the entire healthcare system. A healthy nurse leads to a healthier community.”
The event served as a timely and impactful reminder of the importance of mental well-being for healthcare professionals. It raised awareness, offered practical tools for managing stress, and created a supportive space for shared understanding. The participants left the hall feeling more informed, uplifted, and empowered to care for both their patients and themselves.
Prime Care continues to champion initiatives that prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of its staff because supporting those who care for others is not only essential, but a responsibility that defines true quality in healthcare.
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