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Depressed in Kuwait

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A redditor left the message below and it made me realize that asking my readers to answer his/her question could be beneficial not only to them, but to any other person who might be googling this in the future:

I need help. obviously Kuwait doesn’t have any suicide hot line or anything like that. But I was just wondering, what would be the ideal choice to resolve my depression here. It’s tearing my life apart. [Link]

I personally was lucky not to fall into depression after my divorce but I do understand the affect of mood fluctuations. If you can help or have any advice leave a comment below.

99 replies on “Depressed in Kuwait”

If your in to photography and like to walk around i can share my limited knowledge in street photography. I do this weekly to relieve my self of stress and home sickness. Im not a good talker but i can listen to your problem. Email me if you want im off on sundays.

Wannabe street photographer | street photography
https://gravehart.wordpress.com/

Hi Mome, will you be available this friday morning? Let’s chase the sunrise. If not, when you will be free? Thank you.

Don’t make promises when your happy, don’t make decisions when your angry. Like you can’t see reflection of your self in boiling water, you can’t see the state of your life in a state of anger. Follow insta accounts like thegoodquote and its recommendations. Good luck, you are beautiful and you will make it 🙂

Nice to know that on here, and Reddit, people have tried to offer help. Professional help is at hand at https://www.soorcenter.com/. If finances are tight then ask your local polyclinic to refer you to a psychiatrist. Exercise is a natural anti-deppressant. You are not alone most people suffer from depression at some stage. It’s great that you are seeking help. In my case it’s not cured but ebbs and flows and I have learned to live with it without meds but everyone is different. Good luck!

reason for depression ?

No Job ?
No Money ?
No Love ?
No Gf/wife/bf/husband ?

Sorry dear who ever you are i dont know what you going through but i am very much sure there are plenty of ppl in this world,what you got they dont have, there are ppl without limbs or hands and they still fight to survive cos they want to prove themself they not less than any of us.

You could make a fresh start its all your willingness its never too late to make a new start, best thing is take a trip to change ur environment.

Its not worth loosing your life for someone who isnt worth it !

If i could be of any help please without any hesitation you could contact me,my email is visible to Mark.

Life is precious and so is any human life !

I was thinking of starting an anonymous support group in Kuwait. I really don’t know why there aren’t any here. Someone told me that 70% of the people in this country suffer from depression, I wouldn’t doubt it.

My prayers go out to you whoever you are.

Thank you for your prayers. Was an expat with severe depression. Returned to my home country – penniless and heartbroken. All was taken away; trying to rediscover thru soul searching and have made life less demanding out of me. Will take a few years but I hope to be out of depression soon or whenever.

Advice to the person who is contemplating suicide – read about Karma. The cycle of misery and pain is usually carried over when not repaid in this life time. Get thru the tide gradually, there’s a lot to be learnt and gained in this period. If the good days didn’t last the bad ones also wouldn’t.

I’ll light a candle for you.

I’d begin by saying I’ve turned over a spiritual leaf in this lifetime and the answers I derive owe it to bad karma of my previous life – that’s how am taking it.
Been told by my therapist and spiritual chanting / meditation group that blaming others (Business partner and long term ex girlfriend in my case) for your miseries is allowing negativity back into our lives leaving us further depressed and in some cases leading to self infliction of injuries, PTSD and even suicide.
Positivity is the way to go forward coupled with patience and faith in self.

Thank you for your kind words, I’m indebted.

I second that, an anonymous group is a great idea. If anyone does go on with this I’d like to be a part of it!
Stay safe x

same if you guys made a group id be happy to be part of it. I think holiday season are worse when it comes to depression and anxiety

Depression is taking over again & breaking me into pieces. If anyone knows about a support group in Kuwait please let me know, I really need it.

Zee, (and others) I have recently seen Dr Joanne Hands at Kuwait counselling service ( Jabriya and Sharq). I can highly recommend her. there will be a grief support group beginning again in September if this may be useful. I can ask her about depression support group if anyone is interested. Zee, I know in the midst of the ‘Black Dog’ it feels impossible to see forward – however as others already commented, there are people who care and can help. Feel free to message me if you’re still here.

I’m too a person who suffered depression and it sure does pay me a visit sometimes and trust me, all I could imagine was suicidal thoughts. I don’t know how to get out of it cause I too am still suffering at times but I just you to know that you’re not alone. If you ever feel like your not worth in this world, I want you to remember that you are wrong. You are worth, you are special. It will be difficult to see the bright side when you’re depressed but it’s not impossible. Do what you love. Do whatever that makes not only everyone but you, yourself happy. Don’t worry and just be happy.

Keep smiling and may all the luck in this world in on your side!

A lot of people go through depression.. its very very common!

I found a couple of things helped me:
– professional help (Soor Center). I thought it was cliche to go to a shrink, but its sooo helpful. They listen, you let off steam, they advice… Highly recommended.
– finding a good gym with the right environment for you. For me, I liked walking into the gum were people would say hi and smile. Id recommend a personal trainer.. Theyre kinda like shrinks where they listen and theres the added plus of exercise.
– journaling: theres a whole bunch of apps. Writing your emotions throughout the day is like letting of steam with a shrink. Its also nice to look back at previous posts and pics and realize, you know what I have had some amazing days!
– i dont know if this actually helps – get a puppy! They will love you unconditionally!!

thats if you can afford the soor centre which most expats cant. dont get me wrong they do great work – theyre just not a viable option on the lower rungs of kuwait society

If you are dealing with depression, anxiety or any other form of psychological difficulties, please do not resort to medication first. There are healthier ways for you to alleviate your pain AND to increase your well-being. Medication only helps with symptoms and can’t frequently induce other negative symptoms. It will not solely and magically change your life for the better. Medication should only be used if the symptoms are SO severe that they interfere with therapeutic progress.

There are many professional health care centers in Kuwait with international and local psychologists. The one I am most familiar with is the Soor Center (https://www.soorcenter.com). They have a wide array of staff with many different therapies and natural treatments to fit your background and needs. The first visit is a consultation and it’s free. Therapy does not only try reduce maladaptive behavior, but it will also help you learn to create a healthier internal and external environment for yourself.

How about we let the doctors decide what the patient needs? If that’s medication then that’s the doctor/patients decision.

Running !
Either alone or with running groups … There are plenty here in Kuwait who I run with…
And if he/she is not into sports … Maybe the depression can be a reason to start being …

Or maybe attend toastmasters … Or Salsa classes

I was going to say Al Soor Centre but I haven’t heard that good a news to recommend them. Although they may workout for some people. I think they’re a little heavy in the wallet.

Fawzia Sultan is another good place.

We have a full blown Psych Hospital that should be able to do something…..we’re not totally 3rd world!

these are great suggestions. Within the last few months here in Kuwait I’ve been very depressed, but I’ve found it helps if you have at least one person to talk to about your problems and feelings. If anyone does make a support group I’m interested. Prayers for the person who’s looking for help.

If money is a problem there many cheap or free audio recordings that can teach you techniques to reduce anxiety and some activities you can do to reduce depressive symptoms. It takes research though to find the best method. If you are trying to reduce anxiety and stress I suggest mindfulness meditation. Here is a site where you can learn a lot about how to start using mindfulness: https://www.mindful.org/resources

There is also a site called Head Space that offers a free 10 day trial (10 mins per recording) and teaches you the basics of mindfulness.

If possible, I would try to talk to a therapist who offers free consultation and ask them for any cheap or free online resources.

When driving on fast lane, I usually don’t want to give way to the high beamers and tailgaters. The thought that crosses my mind is that these people usually have issues of low self esteem and high depression and me not giving them way may prevent a suicide, and perhaps give them time to rethink what they are doing, and perhaps if enough people don’t give them away over the speed limit that this thinking might go away. But then I give them the lane anyway, because the car I drive is my mom’s.

Therapists are very good, they do help A LOT! And like some other people said, do not take meds! Try to work around them, with therapy. I am sure this is just a phase that will pass sooner later, don’t worry.

Why are you recommending people not take meds? That’s for the doctor and patient to decide after they go through the individuals options.

Meds don’t get rid of depression, they mask the depression. You are getting rid of the symptoms, but the source of your depression is still there. So once the meds are off, it will be easy to fall into that loop again.

Trust me, its so incredibly easy for Drs to give meds. I had that option for a period of time when I was down, but instead I decided to take the therapy root, and it has worked out for me, as well as others I know.

الحمدلله

I’m glad you are doing well now but that doesn’t mean psychotherapy will help everyone. I am just saying that you shouldn’t avoid taking medication if psychotherapy doesn’t help and that is what the doctor is suggesting.

I definitely agree and understand where you are coming from. Maybe then it’s best to try therapy first for a while, and see how that goes. If it does not work well, then maybe antidepressants would be the way to go, but just not from the beginning.

I was very anti-medication because of the stigma that is attached to mental health in general in our society, until I hit absolute rock bottom in the midst of my senior year at uni.
A mental health doctor I used to see while I was studying abroad explained to me that the brain functions as any other organ in our body, it needs to be fed when it lacks certain chemicals, and sometimes the things we could do ourselves for ‘self-bettering’ (diet, exercise) just aren’t enough to stabilize our brain (i.e. in cases of severe to moderate depression, ADHD, bipolarity, and much more) therefore we need the medication to feed our brain what it is lacking.

In my experience, medication alongside with therapy really helped me get back on my feet after a prolonged period of a painful recovery from surgery.

people need to accept that there is no shame in seeking professional mental help. none of us see a problem with going in for a full physical – to check on our physical health. We should feel just as natural going in and taking stock of our mental health. Life is difficult, get help.

It took me a year to reveal it to my buddy group that I was being treated for depression. As a matter of fact I’d thank mark and the reddit confession that I decided to out myself on a social at form and just light night over a conference call with my buddies did I reveal what I underwent and currently undergoing.

Yes, I felt that I’ll be laughed at, joked on, jeered at, scathing comments behind my back, that I’ve gone loco. I was scared of losing my family, my friends, my lover (she was the first to abandon ship) if I revealed my state. My family stood like a huge Mountain supporting me and I feel so blessed that I have them in my life!!! On the direction of my therapist I didn’t tell my friends until last night, that was to not allow any track two advices apart from my counsellor.

I wouldn’t call myself brave, but I wouldn’t shy from labeling myself a valiant fighter; am not looking for sympathy – not one bit, all I would request people on this forum and spread the word is to please not judge others – we’re all fighting immense crusades within our own world and the society we live in.

Thank you for reading, may we all lead peaceful lives.

all i can say is that real depression is serious fkng business. as far as the solution to depression , just hit me up. let’s chat. we can work it out i’m sure.

+1( three two one ) three 6 8 – 2 nine 1 3

People dont know how it feels until they have been through it. Its like nothing you have felt before. I suggest advice from people whom have come out of depression. Psychiatrists know the theory and book solution only but do help in a way. My advice fight it from 3 fronts. Mental, spitiual, and physical. It is hard to beat so you need everything that can help. Physicaly: excercise, eat healthy, take a multivitamin, stay away from sugars. Mentally: talk to people, read about it, watch comedy, suround yourself with happy people. Spiritualy: pray, read the book of your religion, help the needy, give a little to the poor. Most importantly know that it will get better.

i second that 100% , will put money i swear.

you can go to the Dr all you want and pop all the pills you want.

ain’t no kind of depression that one mushroom trip can cure.

pills and Dr = more profit for them , more pain for you.

Depression is a disease greatly misunderstood. No one can truly understand the effects of depression if they haven’t experienced it within their circle (family, friends etc). I have seen my mum and brother battle through it and it certainly is something which can have far reaching consequences than one can comprehend. I have experienced a slight variation of it myself, not full fledged depression though ( travelled two continents to get dumped by someone who I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with). At the time I thought my life ended, but hey presto, here I am posting on this forum. Certainly more mature, happiest I have ever been and living my life the way I wouldn’t have if I didn’t get dumped. That experience was something that changed me inside out, albeit in a very positive way. No amount of therapy sessions can help if you are not willing to help yourself buddy. It starts from within, your brain is your therapist. It’s not something which you can overcome in a day or two. It may take weeks, months or even a year or two. But it’s not impossible, never is. You need to believe in yourself and most importantly, start loving yourself. And I really believe loving oneself is the key here. It is a battle but you are the general. You have the power to determine the outcome. So have faith in yourself, there is nothing that a human mind is not capable of. Be positive and hang in there. The grass is certainly greener on the other side.

Hello dev. 🙂
Please consider this seriously and take the first step. We all can help by giving you a good advice and to do good deeds for your self. But TAKE ACTION AND PUSH YOUR SELF! Be gentle with your self and don’t give up on your self.
Please do consider this:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/news_events/event/the_science_of_happiness

https://www.edx.org/course/science-happiness-uc-berkeleyx-gg101x#.VPriAoaqPCR

You will find it very usefull believe me, please.
In a good faith we take your words as real and not a social experiment etc.

It’s free course and made by great people who wants the good for human kind.

START NOW!
May you be healthy, at peace and strong in spirit. Take care and don’t ever forget: LIVE IS THE ONLY WAY! Smile, trust and have faith!

Your friend,
Ghanem 🙂

Medically, Sabah hospital has a dedicated psychiatric clinic which will be more suitable if gives are an issue.

Long-term, unless this is medical I would strongly recommend following what your great at what and you’ve always wanted to do but regular life has just taken it away. I’m a composer, photographer and marathon runner. I’ve not had much of a chance to do any of these due to my work commitments. Every time I feel down, I take a break and get back into one of those and I’m on my feet. Point is we are living unnatural ‘ safe’ lives with no adventure. The moment you follow your rhythm and heart, you’re back to normal.

Seeing a shrink in Kuwait is such a taboo subject. That’s why there aren’t a lot of psychiatrists here. I’m glad there are a couple now, but a decade ago, there were only a handful of psychiatrists here, and you’d go with your head down to avoid someone seeing you. There’s a misconception here that if you see a shrink, you must have some sort of mental issue, which is really not the case. Some go after a divorce, losing someone, family issues, etc. I just wish we’re more open about it here, but like I said earlier, I’m glad people are more open about it now.

Depression is not a subject people talk about publicly in Kuwait, and it’s hugely misunderstood. Some parents would just drug their sons/daughters with meds, which they think will “cure” them. We all know how easy it is in Kuwait to get your hands on pretty much everything, that you don’t even need a prescription, that’s a whole other story though.

yep – we’ve come a long way (definitely not long enough though). and inshallah the awareness of the importance of mental health keeps spreading more and more so that the field could grow stronger here.
the government mental health hospital actually have some of the best psychiatrists in Kuwait and they offer great services. To whoever is seeking a consult regarding your mental wellbeing I would strongly urge getting a referral from your perspective clinic. at least check the place out!

I was in depression from a young age, what helped me out is religion ( Islam ) + Exercise daily + Gaming online with nice people and getting away from people who makes drama in life ( even if I had to be alone ), but then something happened after a few years became depressed again worse than before, But al Hamdillah going back again with a route of low depression BUT it’s harder than before.

My body went from fitness to fatness ( very fat ) but considering it like a challange which is extremely hard >.<"

Also all my friends ( Real life friends the good ones ) left Kuwait, kinda boring alone 😛

The reason of this comment is for ….. Gaming rocks start gaming with online people if you lack a social ability to interact but be sure to ignore the bad ones.

My Dear,
The key to fighting depression and loneliness is in your hand. Undoubtedly, Kuwait is completely non stimulating and boring and often one would wonder what the hell are they doing here? We could earn a lot lesser in our own country but still be happy.
Most of us are compelled to stay here for various reasons. This is what I have been doing in 2015 to beat depression. Look up 248am website and you will always find something to do on weekends, enroll for a meet up group having a good bunch of expats and locals, secret garden is an amazing experience, roof top movie. Trust me making new friends, sharing experiences is the best thing you could ever do in Kuwait. When you are occupied you are not depressed!!! Good Luck!

Interesting thoughts

Here are a few more alternatives

a) Spend some time in sunlight such that your body is exposed to direct sunlight (not through a glass). Most of us are Vitamin D deficient and it may contribute to feeling low.

b) Lie down from the edge of your bed such that your head and shoulders are swinging down, do this for as long as you are comfortable. This will help in improving the blood circulation to the brain

c) Exercise and exercise… that is the key but ensure that you exercise with breath coordination, Yoga or Tai chi will help.

d) Cut sugar from your diet completely. Sugar exacerbates mood swings and energy levels in the body resulting in you feeling low.

e) Talk to someone from a different background. For e,g. if you are an engineer talk to someone from advertising. You would realize that others have problems which haven’t even crossed your mind. Hopefully will give you some perspective.

f) Play something mentally intense like Chess or solve crosswords/Sudoku

Best wishes

leave kuwait is your first step.

the chemical and toxic filled air, processed food, and toxic people, run down country, sure it not going to help

leaving the country is not the answer nor taking meds.. The cause behind the depression must be understood first

Hi Mark,

I can help.. I’ve been having this issue for last 6 months or so.. I don’t wish to write it here..
you have my email ID. let me know if I can help 🙂

Don’t get in to Pills.. It will make it worse.
I don’t think there are any support groups here.. but the dr I met was pretty good although I didn’t take the pills he prescribed..

Having people you can talk to helps 🙂 Just don’t think that your talks will bore them or annoy them.. just pour it all out all time 🙂

It’s all within ourselves. You don’t need meds or shrinks to help you out of this. Just believe in yourself and try to find peace within you.
Meditation or Reading your religious book can also help you.

I’m going through a hard period right now of anxiety and depression. Moved here as expat in August to teach and finding it very stressful and has exacerbated depression. I did find a doctor to subscribe meds (Prozac and sleep aid) but are not helping that much. I did join gym and find swimming helps. I’m just hoping that I heal – I have a loving wife here with me. It’s just a struggle sometimes to get up in the morning – today I just had to take the day off. Will go to Soor Center next week to talk with someone. Prayers and good thoughts to others having issues.

I’m suffering of depresstion myself, has been having suicidal thoughts for almost a month now .. I’ll start taking anti-depresstion pills in the start of June, not only does alsoor center has therapist but also almazaya tower has different centers just go there and ask for the Counceling floors

Currently passing through the worst days of my life, haven’t serious suicidel plan and so scared
I have 2 kids teenagers and I am their only support.
Been divorced for 11 years and never been in a relationship until I knew this guy who dumped me few days before the wedding. With complete shut down not even taking my calls or messages he blocked me.
Now hate the responsibility I used to enjoy, hate work hate everything . For a while wanted to see a therapist then now don’t want it

I’m really sorry that’s happened to you, I’ve been through a similar thing a while back and it freaked me out you know the thoughts i had.
I made the hard decision to go see someone, even though I didn’t know how that could help me and to tell you the truth it felt a bit selfish to talk about myself in a sense.
Some sessions after, things have calmed down a bit up there and now i can say thatt I’ve found ways to distract me from having those god awful thoughts.
Won’t hurt to try it for a couple of sessions ask some questions and stuff.
I’m currently seeing a therapist in fawzia sultan amd they’re honestly amazing guess i was lucky to find them!
Stay safe. X

I suffer from depression and i seeked medical help , i take pristiq but i still sense no life in me , i wish there was a hotline for suicide , i wish there was a group council where i wont feel different than others and can share my thoughts without being said “drama” or “attention seeker” , i wish this suffer would end , i cant sense life anymore, tried praying traveling and even pills , one thing that is keeping me alive are my parents, i love them and I don’t wish to cause them any sadness, i’m kinda stuck , for anyone who tried to suicide, you’re not alone i guess, i guess we are deep thinkers, and thats our curse

Hey, hang in there! Life is pretty long…be assured that your current circumstances will not last. Suicide is not the answer, instead be determined and strong and try to change your thought processes.

I know what you mean about deep thinking being a great curse; I have suffered immensely myself due to this (and continue to do so). My advice: divert your mind. Think about what interests you, learn a new language or a new skill, pick up a course which appeals to you. And listen to music. Music helps.

Tenacity in the face of adversity is one of the greatest human qualities, it’s what heroes are made of. So stay strong and keep fighting, because the sun will come through the clouds one day!

im suffering with depression and its not the first time every time i try to get rid of it again by myself but it comes back harder or maybe it did not ever go away its just me hiding it from myself idk .. i wish we could get help here, i really do.

A quote by a Japanese proverb – “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

Remember that as long as you stay mentally strong and keep fighting against the depression, a day will come when it will go away but will not come back again. It might not the next 2 times, or 3 times but that time will come, and this chapter will become part of your past.

“A person who falls and gets back up is much stronger than a person who never fell.” – Anon.

depression keeps finding its way back to me. nothing makes me happy anymore and nothing satisfies me. nothing makes sense at all. it’s a really complicated feeling i dont know how to explain it. i need an affordable shrink in kuwait?

bro everyone has to go through a bad feeling and a terrible time. plus when this happens to people they normally end up being really happy and will find what makes them happy and they will find themselves. dont worry and be patient everything will be ok

Dude that’s not the way to go with this, and that’s definitely not the attitude that this needs in order to solve this. Everything has its own answer and I’m not gonna deny thinking once that that was the answer to everything but i soon learned it’s the small things that’s worth living for.
Be safe and you’re awesome.
Xx

I’m dam depressed… I don’t know what to do.. I can’t go outside… I want to be happy like others… I want to fly high. Enjoy everything but I can’t do any of these.. If this is life… I don’t want

There are institution that provide psychiatrist and psychologist.. for both young kids to adults, one such institution is “fsri” you could go to their website or just Google them

I suffer from depression and went to see a Psycologist in Tiberia. She somehow roped in my husband for separate sessions too. What she did in her consecutive sessions were unbelievable. She convinced my husband that I don’t have depression but suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder and he needed to divorce me. On the other hand, she validated my depression to me and somehow made me feel worse. She even told me no one wants to be with a depressed person like me. She put our marriage on rocks, and worsened my condition. Whatever happens, people, please do not goto Tiberia center. They make you worse so that you can keep going back. I wish I could sue her 😞

I’m sorry you had to go through that. Please feel free to contact me if you need a friend to talk too. Depression has many levels my dear and I’m sorry to hear that you haven’t had the help you needed.

The goverment has done a great job with the new mental health facility. It’s the mental health hospital near Al Razi you can’t miss it. The staff there are great and they help everyone In any case you have to go to the emergency side of the hospital if you are new. The doctor will then transfer you to the outpatient clinics for a psychiatrist and there are even psychotherapists.You don’t need a transfer or anything from any other clinic. Your information is safe and they treat everything from a stressed out day to sever cases. I’ve been going for 3 years and the progress I’m making is a miracle i never thought they could pull it off. Be careful not to be thrown into meds that you might not need though in my case i have a physical problem as well as depression so i needed meds but even then the doctor makes sure they are helping. I was skeptical but i needed help so badly and i can’t afford all the crazy prices in the private mental health organizations. I went and i’m really glad i did. I gotta be honest though tread carefully it’s still a goverment facility so they do get a lot of people so patience and double checking are key. If you have a loved one in any hospital in kuwait who requires mental help you can ask for a psychiatric consult they should provide one. Btw if it’s suicidal thoughts be careful not to mention it until you go to the mental health hospital even though it’s illegal everywhere they will still help you. Oh and the ‘arab’ mentality is not there with the psychotherapists they are actually amazing i was surprised! Good luck

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