Exclusive Interview: HH Sayyida Basma Al Said
Her Highness Sayyida Basma Al Said is the founder of the Whispers of Serenity, the first private clinic for mental health and wellbeing in Muscat, Oman. She is also a counselor in mental health. Her Highness talks to us about life, work, and success.
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What inspired you to launch Whispers of Serenity Clinic?
Opening the clinic has been a dream from when I graduated from university. After working in the university hospital in Oman, I felt that we need to open a private clinic for mental health of a different type, one that uses creativity. Thankfully, I was able to do it in 2010.
What are the key elements of your role?
I multitask in the clinic. I'm the owner, ideas creator, supervisor of my colleagues, clinical counselor, and hypnotherapist. I also give workshops, support groups and talk about mental health. The clinic started with three people, and now we are around 13 people.
My role's key elements are boosting mental health in a creative, different, and inspiring way and educating and raising awareness about mental health. It's all about infusing mental health in the right way.
Which signs mean that we should check our mental health?
It's as easy as saying, "is my life as balanced as it should be'. Having depression and anxiety is normal to a certain extent. If it takes over your life, then it's not balanced anymore. If you cannot find a solution or a way to look after your health, you need to check your mental health.
For example, signs such as not sleeping well for a long time or finding everything extremely stressful, or getting angry continuously are normal for a short while. Still, if it continues to interrupt your life, then there's something wrong.
We all always combine our wellbeing in the process because mental health gets better when your wellbeing is being taken care of.
What do you think of women's development in the GCC?
Every year and every day that passes, I see how we're becoming stronger and stronger.
Women from the GCC have extraordinary minds; they've created a new way of thinking by holding on to the past and looking forward to the future.
We have scientists, diplomats, ministers, athletes, and they're in every singles field-defining all the norms. I've very proud to be part of it. I'm pleased to see how our sons will support our daughters.
The best piece of advice you would give yourself.
I gave this advice to myself four years ago. To start appreciating myself and work more. To look after myself and not only look after other people. It is acknowledging that I'm the challenge and building on what I already have.
Talk us through your daily routine.
My daily routine has totally changed after COVID-19. But a typical day would be waking up in the morning, check my kids going to school. Now I check on them if they're settled and studying. I would go to work and have lunch, sometimes work in the afternoon, or attend an event to support a cause since it ambassador of heritage. Sit with my husband, have dinner, and then maybe read. I love watching series and listening to music. Then go to sleep!
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Who do you like to follow on Instagram?
The people I like to follow are a whole mix of different types. I like following inspirational people, following Oprah, US vice president Kamala Harris, and women doing amazing work in the Gulf. I try to connect with them. Designers who are up and coming in the Gulf and wellbeing accounts. Also, some singers and actors. The main pages I follow are interior design; it's a stress release for me. I love to watch the before and after of old houses. As well as following countries' archival pages.
Image Source: Instagram