Mental Health First Aid (October 2023)

Speaker: HH Dr. Sayyida Basma Al Said,  A Pioneering Mental Health Advocate and International Speaker

Renowned for her expertise and global impact, HH Dr. Sayyida Basma Al Said is not only a distinguished mental health clinical expert but also a dynamic international speaker. With three TEDx talks and two Forbes US and MENA to her name, she captivates audiences worldwide with her insights and passion.

HH Sayyida Basma's career spans over 24 years, during which she founded Oman's first mental health clinic, Whispers of Serenity. Her visionary leadership extends to the groundbreaking Not Alone campaign, aimed at promoting mental health awareness. Notably, she is among the few psychotherapists in the Gulf region employing innovative techniques such as hypnotherapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) for PTSD, honed during her training at Harvard University. In 2008, she earned her master's degree in health counseling from Curtin University of Technology in Australia, providing her with a solid foundation for her illustrious career.

Her commitment to mental well-being goes beyond clinical practice. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Not Alone campaign established a messaging support line, offering psychological and emotional support to diverse groups, including teens, the elderly and frontline health workers. During times of crisis, such as in Beirut, Palestine, Turkiye, Syria and now to Morocco and Libya, she and her team of psychologists offered free counseling services.

Furthermore, HH Sayyida Basma serves as the Honorary President of Oman Heritage, preserving and celebrating Omani traditions and culture. With over 800 talks, workshops and webinars, delivered in both governmental settings and in private institutions globally, her expertise is sought after by diverse audiences. She has been featured on renowned networks and in media outlets such as CNN Arabia, Vogue, and Harper's Bazaar Arabia, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the field of mental health.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, HH Sayyida Basma was named the International Social Responsibility Ambassador by The International Union for Social Responsibility (IUSR) for three consecutive years since 2020. She was also honored as one of the 50 influential Omani women on Omani Women's Day in 2020, acknowledging her role in the country's development.

Adding to her global influence, HH Sayyida Basma is one of the members of the Medical and Health Programming board of the World Humanitarian Forum in February 2022 and made history as the first Arab judge for The Diana Award, the sole charity named after Princess Diana— celebrating exceptional youth who excel in social work.

This event is part of Mental Health Week at AUS. For more information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.info.aus.edu/mentalhealthday.