Testimonials

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MDD Minds Project Testimonials

The MDD Minds Project has made a significant impact on primary care professionals worldwide, enhancing their ability to diagnose, manage, and support patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Through structured training, interactive sessions, and peer learning, participants gained essential skills, reshaped their clinical practices, and extended their knowledge to their colleagues and communities.

The following sections highlight key themes emerging from participant experiences from the Project, illustrating the project's real-world impact on healthcare professionals and their patients.

Strengthening Clinical Competence in Mental Health Care

[Mental health care in primary care settings has long been underdeveloped, with many practitioners lacking structured training in diagnosing and managing depression. The MDD Minds Project addressed this gap by providing evidence-based tools such as PHQ-9, non-pharmacological interventions, and structured communication approaches.]

[Participants reported increased confidence in recognizing and treating depression, moving beyond intuition-based diagnoses to standardized screening methods. They highlighted the value of shared decision-making, patient-centred care, and the integration of mental health within primary care settings. For many, this training demystified the complexity of depression management, leading to more structured and effective treatment approaches.]

"Mental suffering is an increasingly common health problem in primary care. For this reason, courses like this project are essential to improve the qualification of professionals and, consequently, the care of patients. After completing this course, I feel more confident in treating patients with mild depression."

– Clara Aleida Prada Sanabria, Brazil
"The teaching method in this project helped me contextualize the issues involved in depression, broadening my perception of verbal and non-verbal expressions in my patients and even in my own behaviour. This has given me more confidence in providing care and in my own self-care."

– David Lima Nogueira, Brazil
" This training program was one of the most effective training programs that I had. Our mentor Dr. Abdullah Al-Khathamy and his training methodology, the interactive sessions, the experience sharing, and the diversity of colleagues’ backgrounds added more value to learning sessions, the curriculum, and follow-up to ensure having the best practice and maximum benefits to start our learning journey with our colleagues."

– Marwa Mahmoud Hosny Mahdy, Saudi Arabia
"The WONCA MDD Minds Project enabled me to deepen my knowledge and skills on the importance of prioritising screening, treating and managing depression to enhance quality of life."

– Dr. Aisha Mohamed Mwatuwano, Kenya
"A fascinating experience that added a lot to my practice in looking to my specialty as a psychiatrist through the eyes of family physicians within their clinical privilege as first-line providers with a duty to refer based on clear professional boundaries!"

– Dr. Mohammedelamin Mukrim, Saudi Arabia
"I had a very positive experience with the WONCA MDD Minds Project. Our trainer was highly professional, knowledgeable, and kind, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. Additionally, I greatly appreciated the insightful discussions with the other participating doctors, which enhanced the overall learning experience."

– Dr. Mendis Appu Prasath, Sri Lanka
"It was a great opportunity for me to develop my insight into treating depression and manage the patients in a rural area."

– R. B Nayanthe, Sri Lanka
"I was able to relearn the diagnosis and non-pharmacological treatment of depression, which has been very useful in my daily practice. Thank you very much."

– Gorou Hoshi, Japan

Transforming Patient Care Through Evidence-Based Approaches

[The program equipped healthcare professionals with new methodologies that improved the quality of care provided to patients with depression. Many participants emphasized how the training led to direct changes in clinical protocols, the adoption of new screening tools, and the integration of psychological interventions into routine practice.]

[Some reported success in implementing mindfulness techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and other non-pharmacological approaches, reducing reliance on medication where possible. Others noted that they had incorporated routine depression screening for at-risk populations, such as patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.]

[This transformation in patient care extended beyond the individual practitioners, influencing multidisciplinary teams and healthcare systems within primary care.]

"Participating in the MDD Minds Train the Trainer program had a transformative impact on my work as a doctor in primary care. The training enabled me to identify and manage depression and other common mental disorders more accurately and humanely, using practical tools like the PHQ-9 and empathetic communication approaches. This not only improved the quality of care provided to patients but also strengthened my ability to educate and engage the multidisciplinary team, promoting an integrated approach to mental health. Furthermore, the project broadened my perspective on the importance of community support and reducing stigma around mental illnesses, which has contributed to a lasting positive impact on the health of the population I serve."

– Cláudio Costa Cardoso, Brazil
"The project is a very laudable one. I particularly like the language; it was simple and easily comprehensible even to non-physicians. The content was relatable, the case scenarios were not far-fetched and the module on non-pharmacologic management was very valuable. I personally gained a lot from the module on self-care and wellbeing for Healthcare Providers which I have started practicing."

– Odunaye-Badmus Sekinat, Nigeria
"I appreciate going through the rudiments of Major Depressive Disorder. I enjoyed the case examples and how management was done through shared decision making, which is different from the paternalistic approach to patient’s management that we are accustomed to. Overall, I enjoyed the interactive sessions where personal experiences with patients were shared."

– Adetola Bolaji, Nigeria
"For many years now, I have been looking forward to something like this, because Family Physicians see many clients in primary care with mental disorders. Since attending this project, my management of patients with mental disorders has improved greatly. Many of them find the non-drug interventions helpful and impactful."

– Dr. Charles Ayodeji Erinle, Nigeria
"Participating in the WONCA MDD Minds Project has been an incredibly valuable experience. The program enhanced my understanding of depression in primary care, equipping me with effective tools for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and patient-centred treatment. I gained practical skills in using screening tools, developing tailored care plans, and addressing stigma surrounding mental health. Additionally, the project emphasized collaborative care and provided insights into managing depression holistically, improving overall patient outcomes. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn, collaborate with global peers, and integrate evidence-based strategies into my daily practice."

– Dr. Shatha Alzuhair, Saudi Arabia
"It was truly a wonderful and useful experience. Dr. Abdullah Al-Khathami did not skimp on any useful information or effective guidance. He was a great guide. We benefited a lot from him. We learned with him the five-step approach to treating common mental cases in primary health care centres. This approach is truly wonderful, characterized by clarity, smoothness, and ease. It saved me time in the clinic for quick and early detection of mental cases. Patients became more convinced and accepting of starting treatment, whether it was pharmacological or non-pharmacological, and we saw effective results. My performance in the clinic when facing mental cases became much better, and I became more confident and in control. I enjoy finding that patients in primary health centres are satisfied with the service and mental guidance provided to them, as it is always one of the forgotten things with the crowding of patients and the usual pressure of the clinic in primary health centres."

– Eman Attyah Alqurashi, Saudi Arabia
"It was a very interesting experience, I was amazed by stories of success in fighting mental illness, and the change we may be able to make in our patient’s lives, by careful history taking in a short period of time."

– Sukayna, Saudi Arabia
"The training modules were quite interesting and easy to follow. I have started applying psychological interventions such as mindfulness meditation, slow breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation to my patients with good results. I also find the 5 ways to wellbeing very useful, not only to MDD patients but to others also. The module on selfcare and wellness is vitally important. I will recommend this module for all healthcare workers not only mental health specialists. Thank you."

– Dr. Charles Ayodeji Erinle, Nigeria
"I gained a better understanding of how to implement non-pharmacological interventions for mental health patients encountered in primary care. The sessions were practical and abundant, making it easy to apply what I learned in daily practice. I plan to continue refining my skills and sharing them with my staff."

– Akimichi Tanaka, Japan
"The WONCA MDD Minds Project has helped to demystify the diagnosis and management of Major Depressive Disorder. Patients who would have been casually labelled as having depression can now be objectively screened using recommended screening tools and by extension, for other psychiatric disorders. It has helped to simplify the use of non-pharmacological methods in the management of such patients, and I can confidently apply them as a family physician."

– Dr. Sosanwo Bolajoko M, Nigeria
"My experience with the WONCA MDD Minds Project has been incredibly enriching and transformative. The program provided valuable insights into managing depression within primary care, emphasizing practical approaches and collaborative care. The interactive sessions and evidence-based tools were highly effective, equipping me with the skills and confidence to address mental health challenges more comprehensively. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to participate in this impactful initiative."

– Dr. Shatha Z. Alzuhair, Saudi Arabia
"MDD Minds Project has revolutionized my understanding, recognition and management of depression in a resource-limited setting."

– Olajide Oyewunmi Joseph, Nigeria

Real-World Impact: Bringing Knowledge to Local Communities

[A defining feature of the MDD Minds Project was the ability of participants to replicate and extend their learning beyond their personal practice, creating ripple effects in their local healthcare environments.]

[Many participants became trainers and advocates for improved mental health care, delivering sessions to their colleagues, integrating mental health education into academic institutions, and even launching community-led initiatives. Several participants established peer-support networks, particularly among medical students and young professionals, ensuring that mental health awareness and early intervention were prioritized in their regions.]

[This knowledge-sharing has helped dispel stigma around mental health, particularly in communities where depression is often misunderstood or neglected.]

"My experience in the MDD Minds-WONCA Project was extremely enriching. The course provided a collaborative environment where I could learn from the leadership of the psychiatry expert and alongside colleagues in family health. The discussions on mental health practices and the focus on a person-centred approach to MDD expanded my perspective on comprehensive care. Additionally, the practical activities and exchange of experiences contributed to my professional development as a trainer for other colleagues, allowing me to apply new knowledge directly to my daily practice. I believe this experience has made me a more prepared professional, sensitive to the needs of my patients and colleagues."

– Marcelo Sousa Oliveira Nunes, Brazil
"An incredible opportunity to learn with focused and high-quality materials, having an excellent moderator to guide us, and even experience the positive results in practice through replication activities."

– Ana Milca Oliveira Santana Calmon, Brazil
"This MDD Minds - WONCA project is of utmost importance for healthcare professionals who work on the front lines of continuous care. We are the ones who are in the community daily, building relationships with patients and their families. With this program, we have improved our approach, treatment techniques, and shared experiences and frustrations. Through this exchange of information, we realize that we are not alone and that we can indeed provide better care for our patients."

– Raquel Batista Melo, Brazil
"This project has really sparked my interest in mental health issues especially the challenge of depression. I have been equipped with the right knowledge and have developed the confidence to execute mental health services and projects locally and globally. Following this series of trainings, I have established a mental health support group for undergraduates in the university where I practice. My goal is to train many undergraduates as peer educators to deliver mental health services. I am currently seeking support to facilitate peer-education-led psychosocial interventions to reduce the burden of mental health problems among undergraduates. I have incorporated routine screening of patients with diabetes mellitus for depression in my practice setting using PHQ-9. I am currently working on a proposal to incorporate this routine screening for depression into the care of diabetic patients in many primary care settings in Nigeria. I look forward to future opportunities to work more with WONCA. I am very grateful for the privilege."

– Dr. Adeleke Thomas Olumide, Nigeria
"In Dammam City, I've noticed a growing emphasis on mental health, particularly in clinics where they’ve adopted an Alkathami five-step process to help manage depression and other common psychological issues. The journey begins with a thorough, extensive training by experts and clinicians, taking the time to understand each patient's unique situation, identifying symptoms and underlying problems. Clinicians start to apply this approach with the suspected cases in the clinic. Tailored interventions follow, which might include non-pharmacological therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. The focus is on what will work best for the individual. Regular follow-ups are essential. These sessions help track progress and allow for adjustments to the treatment plan as needed. Overall, this structured method is not only helping to reduce the stigma around mental health but also encouraging more people in Dammam City to seek the help they need. It’s inspiring to see positive changes in how mental health is approached in our community."

– Areej Alqahtani, Saudi Arabia
"Participating in the WONCA MDD Minds Project has been an incredibly enriching experience for me as a healthcare professional. This initiative provided a platform to explore the multifaceted dimensions of mental health within a primary care setting, fostering an environment of collaboration, learning, and innovation. The project emphasized the integration of mental health care into routine primary care, which resonated deeply with my practice. I gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by patients with mental health disorders and the strategies needed to address them effectively. One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds. This network facilitated the exchange of ideas, experiences, and solutions that were both practical and culturally sensitive. The resources and tools shared during the project have been invaluable in enhancing my ability to provide holistic care to my patients. I am particularly inspired by the emphasis on reducing stigma and promoting early intervention. The knowledge and skills I acquired have not only strengthened my practice but have also empowered me to advocate for mental health awareness within my community. In conclusion, the WONCA MDD Minds Project has been a transformative journey, equipping me with the insights and tools necessary to make a meaningful impact in mental health care. I highly encourage fellow healthcare providers to engage with this initiative and contribute to its mission of improving mental health outcomes globally."

– Dr. A H Amjath Hasan, Sri Lanka
"I will apply what I learned in this project in my practice in two public health institutions in México and as a professor of undergraduate medical students for the benefit of mental health of the community and health personnel."

– Dulce Adelaida Rivera Avila, Mexico
"I gave lectures on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Regarding non-pharmacological treatments, there are multiple techniques, and through repeated learning, I found many aspects useful for implementation. I currently work while also managing a training program for family doctors, sometimes collaborating with psychiatrists and emergency medicine specialists. Rather than solely relying on organ-specific specialists, I believe it is beneficial to consider the patient’s context, incorporate non-pharmacological treatments, and utilize community resources in treatment. Participating in this course allowed me to learn more about these topics, and I hope to share this knowledge within my local community."

– Toshiharu Kitamura, Japan
"As you know we see various kinds of symptoms in our practice, and no one disagrees that all patients with mental health conditions should be seen only by psychiatrists. Many family doctors can provide appropriate mental health care. Through this MDD Minds Train the Trainer Program, we can strengthen our confidence in caring for patients and recognize the importance of training trainees."

– Kentaro Asakura, Japan
"By participating in the MDD Minds lectures, I was able to deeply understand the content beyond just watching the MDD Minds 101 materials. This experience has helped me take a step forward in internalizing these concepts. I have also become more positive about engaging in mental health care. I hope to share what I have learned in my local community."

– Akiko Hanamoto, Japan
"Participating in this project gave me an opportunity to gain more confidence in providing mental health care at the clinic level as a family physician. It also allowed me to reflect on new perspectives and reassess my strengths. The knowledge gained and the project's progress were discussed within my clinic team, leading to an improved team-based approach to mental health care." – Yoshinori Matsui, Japan "This training was a great opportunity to have further comprehensive information about depression and mental health problems. The teaching methods, interactive sessions, case studies and educational resources were very effective. Learning new approach “the 5 steps approach “and non-drug management protocol. Very grateful to be part of this training. Hope to deliver the message to all my colleagues."

– Marwa Mahdy, Saudi Arabia
"The MDD Train the Trainer course has opened my eyes to my role as a Family Physician in the reduction of the burden of depression in the world. I enjoyed each meeting session as it added significantly to my knowledge of depression and care. I was also able to interact with colleagues and learn from their wealth of experiences. A major influence this training had on me and my practice is the better understanding of the non-pharmacological approach of care. This has resulted in recorded successes in my patients I picked with depression and on whom I have applied this. It also reduced the rate at which I resorted to the use of medication in these patients. And I have had good outcomes with management using only the non-pharmacological treatment without necessarily needing to use an antidepressant. The ability to train my colleagues has also improved our care. It has also opened their eyes to what can be done at the primary level to reduce depression rates and as a clinic what preventive actions can be taken to improve self-care amongst ourselves and the patient to enhance their quality of life. Thank you."

– Dr. Victoria Iyabo Olafimihan, Medical Unit, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria

Challenges Overcome: Lessons from the Field

[Providing mental health care in primary care settings is not without its challenges. Participants shared experiences of overcoming clinical hesitation, stigma, and gaps in mental health integration within healthcare teams.]

[Some entered the program with scepticism, believing that they already had sufficient knowledge of depression management. However, they later realized how structured frameworks and collaborative learning significantly improved their practice. Others faced emotional burnout before joining the program but found that the tools learned in MDD Minds helped them regain their motivation and resilience.]

[Another major challenge was breaking through traditional, paternalistic models of care—where physicians make decisions for patients rather than with them. Many participants noted how the MDD Minds approach to patient-centred communication and shared decision-making led to better adherence to treatment and more positive outcomes.]

"Participating meant a lot to me. I was going through a phase of mental exhaustion that was affecting my decisions and interactions with patients. Learning about tools and realizing how multidisciplinary support makes a difference in mental health treatment opened my eyes and reignited my enthusiasm for treating mental health."

– Bianca Lopes Omizzolo, Brazil
"When I saw the project's advert, I said to myself, “what is there to know about depression anyway?”. This perception changed while going through the course. I was able to see how valuable it is for family physicians to know the right approach to screening, management and follow up of depression."

– Fatusin Bolatito Betty, Nigeria
"Participating in this project has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. In my area, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health, especially depression, where vulnerability is often viewed as a weakness. This project has empowered me to confidently screen my patients for depression and provide immediate interventions. The training and resources have equipped me with crucial skills to better address my patients’ needs. Additionally, connecting with colleagues from various practices has expanded my understanding of mental health care. Sharing insights has enhanced my knowledge and significantly boosted my confidence. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the WONCA MDD Minds Project for this incredible opportunity. The support I received has been truly transformative, and I am deeply thankful for the experience."

– Ogadinma Mba, Nigeria

Personal Growth and Future Commitment

[Beyond professional training, the MDD Minds Project fostered a sense of personal transformation and long-term dedication to mental health advocacy.]

[Many participants felt reinvigorated in their medical practice, expressing a renewed passion for mental health care. Some took their commitment further by applying for specialized mental health fellowships, seeking additional training, or planning to integrate mental health programs into their workplaces.]

[Additionally, participants highlighted how the project emphasized the importance of self-care for healthcare providers, leading them to adopt strategies to maintain their own mental well-being while caring for others.]

[This commitment reflects a shift in mindset—not just in treating depression as a clinical condition but in creating a culture of mental health awareness, resilience, and continuous learning within primary care settings.]

"As a Family Medicine physician, I was always seeking new ways to help my patients, especially those battling the silent storm of depression. When I first encountered the WONCA “MDD Minds” program, I felt a spark of hope. MDD Minds introduced me to what felt like a hidden key to unlocking better care for those struggling with mental health."

– Manar Alghamdi, Saudi Arabia
"We have learned how to take care of ourselves by using MDD Minds 101 Module 7 and Resilience and Wellness and how to help our patients by using the 5-Steps Approach."

– Jehad Ibrahim Azzouni, Saudi Arabia
"The WONCA MDD Minds Project has been a very rewarding experience. Participating in this project, I gained insights into approaches to managing major depressive disorder (MDD) and promoting mental health awareness. This project deepened my understanding of evidence-based practices. It has been both a professional and personal journey, encouraging me to become more engaged in mental health advocacy and education."

– Manoj Liyanage, Sri Lanka
"My participation in the MDD Minds-WONCA Project was a transformative journey, both professionally and personally. As a family and community doctor, I have always sought ways to expand my knowledge and improve the quality of care for my patients. The project provided a unique opportunity to integrate these practices with a global and collaborative perspective."

– Marianna Pugliesi Soares Novais, Brazil

A group of doctors in white coats standing together in a well-lit office, smiling

A Lasting Impact on Primary Care Mental Health

The MDD Minds Project has left a profound and lasting impact on healthcare professionals across multiple regions. The program has strengthened clinical knowledge, improved patient care, expanded mental health awareness into communities, and helped participants overcome professional and personal challenges. Their testimonies highlight growing confidence in detecting and managing depression, along with a commitment to sharing knowledge and reducing stigma across communities. As these methods continue to spread, they will strengthen mental health services for patients and providers alike, showing how targeted initiatives can drive lasting improvements in primary care settings worldwide.

Testimonials

MDD Minds Project Testimonials

"The teaching method in this project helped me contextualize the issues involved in depression, broadening my perception of verbal and non-verbal expressions in my patients and even in my own behaviour. This has given me more confidence in providing care and in my own self-care."

"The WONCA MDD Minds Project enabled me to deepen my knowledge and skills on the importance of prioritising screening, treating and managing depression to enhance quality of life."

"A fascinating experience that added a lot to my practice in looking to my specialty as a psychiatrist through the eyes of family physicians within their clinical privilege as first-line providers with a duty to refer based on clear professional boundaries!"

"It was a great opportunity for me to develop my insight into treating depression and manage the patients in a rural area."

"I was able to relearn the diagnosis and non-pharmacological treatment of depression, which has been very useful in my daily practice. Thank you very much."

"It was a very interesting experience, I was amazed by stories of success in fighting mental illness, and the change we may be able to make in our patient’s lives, by careful history taking in a short period of time."

"MDD Minds Project has revolutionized my understanding, recognition and management of depression in a resource-limited setting."

"An incredible opportunity to learn with focused and high-quality materials, having an excellent moderator to guide us, and even experience the positive results in practice through replication activities."

"I will apply what I learned in this project in my practice in two public health institutions in México and as a professor of undergraduate medical students for the benefit of mental health of the community and health personnel."

"We have learned how to take care of ourselves by using MDD Minds 101 Module 7 and Resilience and Wellness and how to help our patients by using the 5-Steps Approach."

A Lasting Impact on Primary Care Mental Health