Qatar University (QU) hosted a special event today to celebrate World Mental Health Day. Representatives attended the event from various institutions and mental health support centers in Qatar along with Medical Faculty members and students. Dr. Haya Al-Attiya, Associate Vice President for Student Success and Development at the university, inaugurated the event with an opening address.

Dr. Haya Al-Attiya expressed her warm welcome to the attendees and shed light on the significance of World Mental Health Day. She emphasized the importance of supporting individuals facing psychological challenges and the need to eliminate social stigma associated with mental health issues. Dr. Al-Attiya also stressed the importance of collaboration among different institutions to address mental health challenges comprehensively and thanked all the participating organizations for their involvement in the event.

Dr. Al-Attiya stated, “Psychological challenges such as anxiety, depression, disorders, and others pose a significant obstacle to achieving comprehensive social development. They require awareness campaigns, lectures, conferences, continuous collaboration between relevant institutions, and conducting research and studies to provide effective solutions to these challenges and mitigate their impact on individuals in society.” She encouraged the attendees to tap into the expertise of the QU in the field of mental health and concluded with a call to work together for a community with sustainable mental health.

Dr. Mohammed Magzoob, Director of the Student Counseling Center, extended his welcome to the audience and highlighted the global importance of mental health. He provided an overview of the center's services and its collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation and other entities to offer psychological support to students. He said, “The center provides therapeutic and preventive services, as well as a hotline for students. It also offers individual and group therapy sessions, provided by the center's specialist. The center collaborates in delivering this service with Hamad Medical Corporation, the Department of Mental Health, which provides regular clinics at the center weekly on a scheduled basis.”

A representative from “Shafallah” Center stated, “Our participation in QU's World Mental Health Day event underscores their dedication to providing psychological and social support, especially to individuals facing mental health challenges. They place a strong emphasis on mental health within their comprehensive support strategies, particularly for families with disabilities, and express gratitude to the QU and all participating organizations for the opportunity to raise awareness about this important issue.”

A representative from the “Naufar” Center added, “We are participating in World Mental Health Day to emphasize the importance of mental health for everyone. They are a specialized center dedicated to treating, rehabilitating, and preventing substance use disorders. They aim to inform the community, especially Qatari society and students, about their services and departments. They see this as a chance to raise awareness and emphasize their role in society, focusing on prevention before treatment.”

Dr. Arabi Abdullah, from the Department of Mental Health at the Ministry of Public Health, expressed his gratitude, saying, “First and foremost, I would like to express gratitude to the QU and the Student Counseling Center for organizing World Mental Health Day.” He emphasized that mental well-being is a fundamental human right, essential for a happy and peaceful life. He stressed the need for continuous focus on mental health throughout life, not just on a single day. Dr. Abdullah thanked all participants for their cooperation and highlighted the importance of community collaboration in the field of mental health, with special appreciation for the Student Counseling Center for their role in providing this opportunity.

Furthermore, the “Wifaq” Center representative stated, “We actively participated in the World Mental Health Day celebrations at the QU to emphasize the significance of community partnerships and their role in sustainable social development. The center is actively engaged in informative activities organized by the QU.” He added, “The center extends its services to both students and faculty members, offering informative materials about their mission and the services they provide. The center places great emphasis on maintaining open communication with the public, addressing inquiries related to their activities, and continually participating in events that support family stability and cohesion.

Representatives from the “Aman’ Center, a part of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work and affiliated with the Ministry of Social Development and Family, shared their involvement in global celebrations, with a special focus on World Mental Health Day, in partnership with the QU. Aman Center dedicates itself to serving women, children, victims of family disintegration, and violence. The center has set up an informative booth to showcase its role and services, emphasizing the importance of mental health for women and children. They also participate in panel discussions, shedding light on the significance of mental health awareness and its impact. The Aman Center is steadfast in advocating for the rights of women and children to access mental health support.

The World Mental Health Day event signifies not just a one-day celebration but a call to action for continuous efforts to improve mental health. QU invites everyone to join hands in this important journey towards a community with sustainable mental well-being. QU reaffirms its role as a leader in championing mental health awareness and support.