Clinical psychological treatment and member of the Friends of Health Association, d. Dania Kabli, the importance of care for mental health during the Hajj season, noting that the relationship between mental and physical health is embodied by the famous saying, “the proper mind in a healthy body”, as the imbalance of one of them inevitably affects the balance of the individual’s life and his ability to practice his activities and daily tasks.
And Dr. Kabli that the period of performing the Hajj pilgrimage is a clear model for this interdependence, as the spiritual atmosphere accompanying the rituals positively affects the psychological state of the pilgrim.
She said: «reverence, safety, reassurance, comfort, and relaxation that the pilgrim feels as a result of indulging in acts of worship and avoiding negative thinking and causes of anxiety and fear of the future, enhances mental health, and in turn reflects on the strength of the body and its immunity in the face of diseases, especially since this atmosphere teaches the human being patience and endure it for hardship and fatigue.”
She added that mental health directly affects physical health and vice versa, noting that psychological challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression are not only limited to the emotional side, but also manifested in physical symptoms such as chronic fatigue, headache, and muscle tension, and sometimes develop into chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
She explained that this is due to the body’s secretion of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which weakens the immune system and increases the chances of infection and diseases. Dr. Kabli that psychological problems may be reflected in the daily behaviors that enhance physical health, such as sleep quality, nutrition, and physical activity.
She explained that those who suffer from mental disorders may face sleep difficulties or low quality, which leads to fatigue, fatigue and lack of ability to withstand pressure. It may also suffer from changes in appetite, whether by excessive eating or losing desire, which leads to fluctuations in weight and malnutrition, adding that “neglecting mental health is not only reflected on the emotional balance, but also contributes directly to the exacerbation of physical health problems.”
Regarding the promotion of mental health, d. Kabli on the necessity of taking simple but effective steps, begins with recognition that mental health is no less important than physical health, before it turns out that among these steps: “adherence to a regular sleep schedule, practice physical activity, and eating balanced food, noting that these habits have a direct positive impact on the psychological state.
She called for allocating time to relax and calm through meditation, deep breathing exercises, or personal hobbies, stressing that these activities contribute to reducing levels of stress and enhancing positive thinking.
