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Mental Health: Who Are Its Advocates?

Dr. Muhammad Rasool Al-Tarawneh

4 min read

His Majesty King Abdullah II’s recent visit to Australia provided an answer worth reflecting upon, confirming that mental health is not a marginal issue, nor a file that can be postponed until major issues are resolved. Despite the magnitude of the national and regional responsibilities resting on His Majesty's shoulders, mental health has not been absent from his attention; rather, it was present in his discussions and translated into a practical step represented by the signing of a Jordanian-Australian memorandum of understanding for cooperation in this field.

This memorandum gains special importance for the opportunities it provides to benefit from Australian expertise, enhance the exchange of knowledge and information, and develop cooperation in mental health and psychological support, especially in dealing with psychological trauma. It is a step that reflects an awareness of the importance of building international partnerships that contribute to developing services and improving their response to the needs of individuals and communities. It is not just an agreement added to the record of bilateral relations between the two countries, but a clear message that the mental health of the Jordanian citizen deserves attention at the highest levels, and that investment in the human being is not complete without protecting their psychological well-being.

Here, one must commend His Majesty the King's position; amidst his preoccupation with highly complex political, economic, and regional files, this humanitarian issue remained present on his agenda. This interest is worthy of appreciation because it sheds light on suffering that may not be seen by the eye, but affects the lives of individuals, families, and the stability of society. However, the importance of this memorandum will not be measured by its signing alone, but by the tangible results it will lead to. What is required today from His Excellency the Minister of Health, "Abu Omar," is to translate it into practical programs that include training staff, developing services, expanding access to treatment, and enhancing psychological support in schools, primary healthcare centers, and local communities. Furthermore, confronting social stigma remains a necessity no less important than developing services; no person should feel ashamed because they need psychological help, or face their suffering alone for fear of the judgments of others.

I returned to my first question: Mental health, who are its advocates? A year ago, I wrote an article with the same title and the same question in the same newspaper. Today, I have received a "yes": mental health has advocates, foremost among them His Majesty King Abdullah II, whose interest in this file confirms that preoccupation with major issues does not mean overlooking the human being and their deep needs.

The hope remains that the Jordanian-Australian memorandum of understanding will be the beginning of a new phase, in which mental health moves from the circle of interest to the field of achievement, and from initiatives to sustainable programs. Nations are not built by the strength of their institutions and economies alone, but also by a human being who enjoys psychological balance and finds someone to listen to and support them when they need help.

Yes, mental health has advocates, foremost among them His Majesty the King; so, shall we all be up to this responsibility?

The question that should occupy us today is not only who carries its burden, but how we turn this interest into tangible services that reach every person who needs someone to listen to them, support them, and restore their hope.

Former Secretary-General of the Higher Health Council

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