Abu dhabi: The Family Development Foundation organised an awareness workshop on self-care under exceptional circumstances and pressures at Emirates Humanitarian City, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance psychological and social awareness across the community.
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop targeted elderly Palestinian guests residing in the city and addressed a range of key themes, including the concept of self-care and its importance in maintaining mental health. It provided practical strategies for managing stress and coping with daily pressures, while also focusing on practices that support psychological balance within the family. Participants were educated on recognising indicators that require seeking psychological support and were informed about available counselling services.
Fatima Al Hosani, Acting Head of the Family Consultations Department at the Family Development Foundation, highlighted the pivotal role of the family in supporting its members. She emphasised that continuous communication and emotional support contribute to enhancing a sense of security and stability among all family members. Al Hosani also stressed the importance of supporting children and adolescents through dialogue and reassurance, as well as caring for senior citizens by appreciating their experience. She advocated for strengthening family cohesion through role distribution, daily dialogue, and following reliable sources of information.
Khalid Al Kaabi, a Social Specialist at the Family Development Foundation, noted during the workshop that daily life is filled with psychological, physical, and social pressures. He explained that while some pressures are natural and manageable, others may exceed an individual's capacity to cope. Therefore, adopting self-care and self-awareness skills is crucial for effectively dealing with such pressures.
Ibrahim Al Marzouqi, another Social Specialist at the Family Development Foundation, discussed self-care practices that contribute to reducing the effects of stress. He highlighted the benefits of promoting realistic positive thinking, helping others, engaging in physical activity, and adopting healthy dietary habits to maintain emotional and behavioural balance and enhance psychological adaptability under various circumstances.
A participant in the workshop praised the Family Development Foundation for organising such informative sessions, describing them as a valuable intellectual and human experience. The workshop provided a deeper understanding of family needs and improved support methods, while strengthening skills in communication and managing daily pressures.