Health professionals’ perspectives on mental health awareness in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

Objective: Psychosocial education forms the basis of many public health interventions internationally, with an emphasis on reducing stigma, increasing mental health awareness, and decreasing barriers to help-seeking. Despite advances in mental health care in Saudi Arabia, little is known about how health professionals perceive the impact of mental health education and its consequences. This study aimed to explore professionals’ perspectives on current mental health awareness efforts in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was employed which involved semi-structured interviews with 15 mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists and public health specialists). Braun and Clarke’s framework for thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: Three broad themes were identified: perceptions of mental health education and awareness, including improved recognition but also sociocultural and structural barriers; critiques of existing awareness efforts, such as oversimplification, ethical dilemmas and lack of clarity; and recommendations for future directions, emphasising the value of holistic, culturally sensitive approaches and the integration of ethical and critical thinking into mental health education. Conclusion: Findings highlight the necessity of a more holistic, ethically and scientifically grounded perspective on mental health awareness in Saudi Arabia. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators and professionals seeking to enhance mental health education. Further research is needed, however, to assess the effectiveness and long-term effects of current mental health awareness efforts in Saudi Arabia.