With increasing tensions in West Asia causing worry among expatriates, a Kerala-based online mental health platform has introduced a free psychological support program for Malayali and Tamil expatriates in the Middle East. The initiative aims to assist Indian expatriates facing anxiety and stress due to the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, especially those working in the Gulf region. Oppam, the platform, is offering no-cost online therapy sessions to provide immediate mental health support to individuals experiencing fear and emotional distress amid the current uncertainties.
The online therapy sessions can be booked through the platform’s website or by contacting their support helpline. These sessions will be conducted online to ensure accessibility, privacy, and confidentiality for those in need during this period of uncertainty. Launched in Kerala in 2023 by Ebrahim Hawaz, Abdulla Kunhi, and Mubashira, Oppam was created to make mental health services more accessible to individuals who struggle to find professional support in their native languages.
The founders, originating from Kasaragod, highlighted the growing necessity for culturally and linguistically accessible psychological care, particularly among expatriate communities. Many individuals refrain from seeking mental health support due to social stigma, lack of awareness, or the limited availability of therapy services in languages they are comfortable with. Positioned as a local language online therapy platform, Oppam aims to offer inclusive, approachable, and accessible psychological support round the clock.
By providing services in languages familiar to users, Oppam aims to bridge the gap in mental health care for diaspora communities, ensuring that professional help is easily accessible regardless of location. The founders emphasized that the free support initiative demonstrates the platform’s dedication to standing by expatriate communities during times of uncertainty and crisis.
