The biggest obstacle for tackling mental health issues in the Middle East is the silence around this topic, which in turn makes it look like a taboo subject, hence fuelling lack of awareness. But things have been changing in urban spaces spread across the region, one initiative at a time, since virtual assistants and smartphone apps are also doubling up as advisors that encourage people to seek therapy.

Students are also being trained in the UAE to spot signs of psychological distress among peers, while AI has been enhanced to use eyes as a gateway into memories, that open a window into a person's trauma. In line with these developments that are transforming the landscape for mental wellbeing in the Arab world, a startup is offering a simple solution to psychological ailments, by encouraging people to talk about them.

The platform called Takalam is based out of the Emirates, and its name literally translates to speak, which is apt since it primarily acts as a communication portal. Users in the Middle East can connect with professional counselors via text messages, calls or video conferencing, to make sure that they are comfortable with the medium before opening up about how they feel.

Options to remain anonymous give more confidence to the user, by transforming the online bubble into a safe space for people to talk about mental health. To add a personal touch, sessions facilitated by Takalam are available in Arabic as well as English for regional audiences.

Apart from making pro level counselling accessible for everyone at any time, irrespective of their location, the portal also creates content which encourages people to talk about mental health. The founders who have held top positions in private as well as government entities, decided to launch Takalam, largely based on their own struggles against anxiety and depression.

Once the digital service gains traction in the Middle East, it'll be offered to people battling mental health issues, beyond the region.