HH Sayyida Basma Al Said: A Royal Leading by Example

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Welcome to our interview with HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, a remarkable figure in the field of mental health and counselling. With over 24 years of experience as a Mental Health Clinical Counsellor and founder of the renowned mental health clinic, Whispers of Serenity, HH Sayyida Basma has played a pivotal role in addressing taboo subjects and raising awareness about mental health in the Middle East.

Her expertise extends to utilising techniques such as hypnotherapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) for PTSD, demonstrating her dedication to providing comprehensive care to her patients.

Not only is HH Sayyida Basma a respected practitioner, but she is also a trailblazer in initiating the “Not Alone” campaign, which has been instrumental in creating societal awareness of mental well-being.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she has actively supported individuals in need, including teens, the elderly, and frontline health workers, through psychological and emotional support services.

Recognized both nationally and internationally, HH Sayyida Basma has been honoured with numerous awards, including the International Social Responsibility Ambassador title and recognition as one of the 50 Omani women who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.

In this interview, we have the privilege of delving into HH Sayyida Basma’s journey, her innovative approaches to mental health, the impact of her campaigns, and her future aspirations.

Join us as we explore the inspiring work of this extraordinary advocate for mental health and social well-being.

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Can you talk about the social initiatives you’ve been involved with and how they have affected you?

Throughout my career, I’ve always been drawn to initiatives that make a positive impact on communities. One of the most active periods of my work coincided with the COVID pandemic, where we helped people in Oman and beyond. 

We’ve provided help to those in Lebanon and continue to work with refugee camps in Jordan and Lebanon. 

This work, which I hold dear, has proven educationally rewarding and emotionally fulfilling. We also acted promptly during crises in Lebanon, Palestine, and India. In essence, social work is more than a duty for me; it’s a passion that grows with each passing day.

Why is preserving cultural heritage important to you?

As the president of a cultural heritage organisation in Oman, I strongly believe that our identity is rooted in our heritage and culture. If you don’t look after your heritage, you risk losing yourself. 

In Oman, we have a rich culture with a myriad of stories, workmanship, and historic events. Preserving this is a rewarding endeavour for me. In a broader sense, cultural heritage is crucial for mental health; it gives you a sense of belonging and boosts your self-esteem.

Can you share your experience with public speaking, particularly with TEDx Talks?

I’ve always been drawn to public speaking, starting from my school days, where I would frequently engage in morning assemblies, delivering talks in both English and Arabic. 

However, when I was asked to give a TEDx Talk, it felt like a massive challenge. Upon completing that challenge, I felt invincible, and it opened the floodgates to several other opportunities, like speaking at international talks and being chosen by Forbes America. 

These opportunities, though nerve-wracking, reinforced my belief that with a clear message, one can achieve the impossible.

What do awards and recognitions mean to you?

While it’s indeed an amazing feeling to receive awards and recognitions, I see them as a call to work harder. When I receive these accolades, it signals that people are listening, relying, and believing in me.

That being said, I do not rest on my laurels. Instead, I double my efforts to live up to the faith people place in me.

A notable recognition was from His Majesty’s spouse, the First Lady of Oman, which was particularly special as it was a local acknowledgment, signifying that my home appreciated me.

Can you describe your experience being part of the World Humanitarian Forum and the Diana Award?

Being approached to be part of the World Humanitarian Forum in the medical programme was a mind-blowing experience for me. 

It was a high privilege that left me excited and determined to contribute more. Similarly, being the first Arab judge on the Diana Award and contributing to discussions on mental health and bullying from the perspective of my region was a unique experience. 

Being associated with Princess Diana’s trust, a symbol of caring about people, has been an immense honour for me.

What are your future plans in terms of mental health awareness?

I plan to continue what I’m doing, spreading mental health awareness in innovative and unconventional ways. 

I am keen on introducing more Mental Health Retreats as I see them as a future pathway. My ultimate goal remains to highlight the importance of mental health around the world. 

Furthermore, I aim to leave a lasting impact and a legacy around the importance of mental health when I leave this world.

What would you advise young people who wish to work in the field of mental health?

I always encourage young people interested in mental health to pursue it despite the misconception that it offers no future or career. 

It’s pertinent to everything we do, and its significance will only grow as the years pass. I tell them to approach it differently, with passion, and to balance showing the dark and beautiful sides of it. Mental health is a complicated field; dealing with issues such as OCD, anxiety, and depression is not easy. 

But we need more people in this field; we need this army to grow.

How do you view the balance between receiving accolades and actually contributing to your cause?

I do not wish to be merely labelled with accolades or known for being on different boards. I need to work hard to reciprocate the appreciation awarded to me. 

I want to give back by doing more, impacting people positively, and spreading mental health awareness.

How do you deal with the dark side of mental health?

Dealing with mental health issues such as OCD, anxiety, and depression is not easy. It’s a difficult field, but I’m very aware of that. 

However, I always encourage people to look into it more, get excited about it, and show the beautiful side of it as much as the dark side that people often focus on.

How does being part of the Global Summit for Women contribute to your journey?

I feel extremely honoured to be part of the Global Summit for Women. It offers me the opportunity to meet new people, share ideas, and learn from different cultures and backgrounds. 

At the summit, I’ll be discussing the art of acceptance, control, and the mental health issues that women might be going through. 

This platform lets me focus more on topics such as control and the art of acceptance while trying to deal with everyday problems. It’s one of those unforgettable experiences that I cherish.