An overwhelming majority of MENA residents, who participated in a survey, reported positive overall well-being.
While 84 per cent of the respondents rated their mental well-being as good, 65 per cent acknowledged facing mental health challenges in the year preceding the survey, Gulf Insurance Group (GIG), a MENA-based leading insurance provider, which commissioned the survey said.
Significantly, as high as 62 per cent of those who reported mental health challenges based their responses on self-diagnosis, suggesting opportunities for better awareness and understanding of mental well-being in the region, the survey conducted by YouGov said.
Besides, up to 35 per cent of respondents in some countries in the region were unsure of where to seek help, underscoring an urgent need for enhanced communication and support structures, it said.
“The findings are both insightful and eye-opening,” Khaled Saoud Al Hasan, Vice Chairman and CEO of Gulf Insurance Group, said.
In addition to mental health challenges, the report also highlighted significant findings in physical health and lifestyle habits.
While 74 per cent of respondents assessed their physical health positively, ailments such as allergies (15 per cent) and musculoskeletal disorders (14 per cent) were frequently reported.
Furthermore, lifestyle factors showed room for growth, with only 54 per cent of respondents getting the recommended 7 hours of sleep per night, and more than half not engaging in regular exercise.
These insights underscore the need for a more holistic approach to well-being that addresses both mental and physical health as well as lifestyle choices, GIC said.
Workplace well-being emerged as another area of focus, with many respondents expressing a desire for employer-driven initiatives such as regular health checks, stress management programmes, and wellness workshops.
Digital tools such as mental well-being and fitness apps were also highlighted as areas where employees would like to see greater support from their employers.
GIG’s inaugural Well-being Report also revealed both intriguing trends and areas where improvements could have a significant impact on well-being.
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