You are not alone!

TeenAGER Caline Hajjar, who was diagnosed with major depressive and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), has launched a podcast to break misconceptions about mental illness.

The 18-year-old St Christopher’s School student started Five O’Clock Therapy around a month ago to focus on mental health using her own experiences, and hopes her podcast will connect those who feel the lack of a space to discuss these topics otherwise.

“I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with the stigma surrounding mental illnesses,” said Caline who will be studying clinical psychology at a university in the UK.

“Far too many people misinterpret what it means to be mentally ill so, unfortunately, mental illnesses are still demonised, despite the continuous efforts that the Bahraini community is making to break the stigma and raise awareness.

“I feel it’s my duty to play a role in combating misconceptions about mental health because it’s something that affects every one of us - no matter what our race, age, religion, or social status is.

“It’s something that we all need to come together, as a community, to educate ourselves on, in order to be able to extend empathy, compassion and a listening ear or helping hand to those around us that may be struggling.

“I hope to use my podcast as a medium to show how, as a community, we want to be the change that we so desperately need, and how we’re committed to make the world a better, kinder place.”

Aside from sharing her own experiences, Caline is also planning to interview professionals in the field of clinical psychology. She also wants people around her age to share their takes on whatever issues that strike them as the stigma surrounding therapy.

“It is a shame because it’s something that everybody would benefit from in one way or another,” she said.

Caline credits a lot of her personal growth and coping mechanisms to her experience in therapy.

“There are so many different kinds including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and art therapy as well as unconventional types like hypnotherapy,” she added. “There’s something out there for everyone. I believe therapy is an avenue anyone with an open mind and the intention of improving his or her quality of life should explore, without fear of judgement.

“By challenging some of the stereotypes regarding therapy, we open the floor to discuss how the stigma does more harm than good; how it’s not factual in some aspects and how demonising mental health illnesses can be detrimental to our awareness and progression as a society.

“All of this will foster a more understanding and empathetic environment. It can improve our quality of life, which means that we’re improving our mental wellbeing, which fundamentally is the end goal of my podcast.”

That is also a reason she chose a career in clinical psychology as a psychotherapist. She believes that by working towards a future in the same field that has saved her so many times would mean that her mental health journey is coming full circle.

Her podcast is light-hearted, flexible, casual and thus accessible to everyone. She posts about once a week and it is available on Anchor and Spotify. She thanks her father for being her role model and for encouraging her to share her journey.

“There is absolutely no shame in seeking help,” she said.

“We all struggle with our mental health, and while that’s not our fault, it is our responsibility to make sure that we’re getting it back on track, because no one can do that for us.”

For details, follow @5oclocktherapy on Instagram or email on five.oclock.therapy@gmail.com for collaborations.