海湾合作委员会的心理健康转型

© Oliver WymanMental health conditions affect a significant portion of the globalpopulation, with approximately1 in 8 peopleexperiencing a mentalhealth disorder at any given time. The most common conditionsinclude anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumaticstress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders,with anxiety and depression alone accounting for more than 50% ofcases. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the situation,leading to a 25% increase in anxiety and depression cases worldwide,according to the World Health Organization.1Prevalence varies across regions, with low- and middle-incomecountries often facing higher unmet needs due to limited resourcesand stigma. Mental health issues are also more prevalent amongvulnerable groups, including young people, women, and thoseaffected by conflict ordisplacement.1WHO, Covid-19 Pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide,2022© Oliver Wyman © Oliver WymanLimited staffing and resources contribute to people’s symptoms being undiagnosed orunderdiagnosed. In Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, an estimated 80% of mentalhealth conditions go undiagnosed according toOliver Wymananalysis — a significantlyhigher rate than in comparable high-income countries, where it is about 50%. While accessto care is a factor, stigma also plays a role in people not seekingcare.Exhibit 1: Diagnosis in the GCCof mental health conditionsgo undiagnosed in the GCC~80%Source: Oliver WymananalysisGovernments across the GCC are taking steps to address mental health, recognizing theimportance of individual wellbeing and its role in fostering a healthy, productive workforce.Increased awareness through public health campaigns, social media discussions, andadvocacy by public figures has helped normalize conversations around mental health, makingit easier for people to seek support. Additionally, younger generations are more open todiscussing mental wellbeing, with more people showing greater willingness to seek treatmentand challenge outdatedstigmas.Transforming mental health care in the GCC is an opportunityfor innovation and collaboration that can reshape the future ofwell-being in the regionMany GCC governments are incorporating mental health into their national healthcarestrategies and launching targeted awarenesscampaigns:•Saudi Vision 2030includes mental health as a core component of healthcare reform,recognizing its importance in achieving long-term national developmentgoals.•The UAE National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031prioritizes mental wellness, with Dubaipledging AED 105 million over five years to support a Mental Wealth plan, while AbuDhabi’s Department of Health has activated a mental wellbeingstrategy.•Qatar’s National Mental Health Strategyfocuses on community-based mental healthcare, ensuring greater accessibility andsupport.These initiatives are making an impact. For example, Abu Dhabi has seen a 30% increasein the number of patients receiving mental health treatment since 2022, signaling tangibleprogress in expanding care and improvingaccessibility. © Oliver WymanADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN THE GCCWhile progress has been made, several key challenges remain, including closing stigmaand awareness gaps, improving access to care, and streamlining regulatory frameworks.Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort across health providers, regulators,insurers, and other sectors such as education andlabor.Exhibit 2: Key challenges in GCC mental healthClosing stigma andawareness gapsImproving access tocare and insuranceBuilding capacity andexpanding mental healthinfrastructureIntegrating mental healthinto primary careEnsuring successfulreintegration into societyStrengthening digital andregulatory infrastructureCultural sensitivities and misconceptions lead to low mentalhealth literacy, particularly among older generations.Inadequate insurance coverage limits mental health servicesto emergencies.There’s a shortage of specialists in child psychiatry,addiction treatment, and perinatal mental health.Many primary care providers lack mental health training,leading to missed diagnoses.Patients struggle to reintegrate into daily life post-treatment.Underdeveloped data collection and policy enforcementhinder informed decision-making.Source: Oliver WymananalysisBREAKING STIGMA AND INCREASING AWARENESSCultural sensitivities and misconceptions, particularly among older generations, contributeto low mental health literacy. Many individuals with mental health conditions hesitate to seekcare,Oliver Wymananalysis shows that approximately 40% of the population across theregion is unsure where to turn to for help and 35% dismiss their struggles as temporaryphases they will overcome on their own. Fear of repercussions is another major concern,especially among blue-collar workers, who worry that seeking help could affect theiremploymentstatus.To tackle this, governments and organizations must deplo