Mental Health Support in Dubai: Work Stress, Burnout & When to Get Help

What are the early signs of mental health issues?

Early signs of mental health issues and burnout can show up subtly over time. A few of these are

• Emotionally vacant or mentally drained
  – Less motivated
  – Irritable or disconnected
  – Easily overwhelmed by everyday tasks
  – Withdrawn from meaningful relationships
  – Feelings of emotional emptiness
  – Lack of motivation
  – Irritability
  – Emotional detachment

These are some of the early signs associated with emotional or mental distress.

Chronic stress can also affect your immune system and gut health, often showing up as digestive issues or fatigue. These symptoms are early indicators of emotional burnout.

How can workplace stress contribute to poor mental health in Dubai?

Work stress in Dubai is a significant mental health trigger. Common contributing factors include:

• Lack of recognition or autonomy

• Inconsistent leadership or job insecurity

• Excessive workloads and unrealistic expectations

• Cultural or social isolation, especially for expats

Over time, these experiences chip away at your confidence and contribute to poor mental health. You may find yourself struggling with sleep, relationships, or even physical health.

What are some coping mechanisms people use under stress?

When stress becomes chronic, people often resort to dopamine-seeking behaviours to distract themselves from pain or isolation. These may include- 

Is social media use linked to poor mental health?

People often use excessive focus on social media to numb and divert attention from distressing or profound emotions. Excessive scrolling can prevent real rest or connection. It is natural to compare oneself with others, and this can gradually lead to feelings of inadequacy from comparisons. 

When should someone seek professional help in Dubai?

You may benefit from professional support if you:

• Feel persistently overwhelmed

• Notice frequent emotional burnout

• Experience relationship conflicts or mood swings

• Depend on unhealthy coping mechanisms

Therapy provides a safe, compassionate, and confidential space to explore not only surface fears and anxieties but also deeper emotions like shame, worthlessness, and grief. 

How can therapy help with burnout and mental fatigue?

Our general coping strategies can contribute to burnout. Our coping mechanisms are often the cumulative result of our life experiences. We continue to hold resentment, detachment, sadness, grief, and hurt from experiences that are not resolved. The current state of work and family stress further weakens our resilience. 

Several therapies can help cope with burnout fatigue. IFS therapy offers a structured and safe environment for exploring emotional burdens, reconnecting with your inner life, and restoring your energy.

Do I need a specific type of therapy for stress and burnout?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is designed for more than just surface symptom relief.

Yes — surface-level interventions often miss the root cause. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is especially helpful for:

• Uncovering parts of you that feel stuck, angry, compliant, or disconnected

• Exploring inner conflicts between parts that push forward and those that resist

• Releasing burdens carried from past trauma, work stress, or family patterns

Example:
A person who avoids conflict at work may appear calm but feels resentful and powerless. One part strives to please others; another feels angry for not speaking up. IFS helps make space for both — without shame or judgment.

Another example is someone who feels unappreciated, yet continues at their job for financial reasons. One part pushes for security; another procrastinates out of frustration. These polarised parts can be understood and healed in therapy.

Book a Confidential Consultation

Dr. Millia Begum
Consultant Psychiatrist
First Psychiatry Clinic, Dubai
Villa 975, Municipality 363856
Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, UAE
📞 +971 4 221 6000
📧 info@firstpsychiatryclinics.com
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