The Deanship of Student Affairs at Arabian Gulf University organized the “Journey to Better Mental Health” event to mark World Mental Health Day, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of mental health and its role in achieving balance in daily life and fostering a culture of caring for psychological well-being as an essential part of public health and quality of life.

The event featured a series of interactive stations and awareness-raising activities that gave participants the opportunity to learn about the importance of understanding and expressing emotions in a healthy way, acquire practical strategies for coping with daily stress, and discover practices that help promote mental balance and foster a positive approach to life’s challenges.

The event focused on providing an interactive experience that combines awareness and participation, thereby helping to integrate mental health concepts into daily life and encouraging members of the university community to adopt positive habits that support their mental health and enhance their ability to adapt to the demands of study, work, and social life.

Dr. Aseel Al-Saleh, Dean of Student Affairs, said that this event is part of awareness-raising efforts aimed at promoting interest in mental health, encouraging members of the university community to set aside time to take care of themselves and seek appropriate support when needed, and to contribute to building an environment that is more aware of and understanding of individuals’ mental health needs. 

She emphasized the importance of making mental health a continuous daily practice that is not limited to awareness-raising events, thereby fostering a culture of prevention and mutual support and contributing to the establishment of a positive university environment that celebrates mental well-being and quality of life.

For her part, Masouma Al-Aali, Head of the Student Counseling and Care Unit at the Deanship of Student Affairs, noted that the event was designed to be a lively, interactive space that directly addresses students’ needs, moving away from traditional formats; with the six stations arranged to form a comprehensive journey that supports self-awareness and mental well-being.

She explained: “In today’s journey, we made sure that students experience different aspects of their mental health in a practical way that resonates with them; from the ‘Emotions’ station, which gives them a space to name and express their feelings, to the ‘Meditation’ station, which offers a quiet respite amid the hustle and bustle of studying, all the way to the ‘Art’ station, where they can channel their energy through drawing, as well as the ‘Information and Skills’ station, which provides them with practical tools for regulating emotions, managing anxiety, and coping with daily challenges—we aim to convey a fundamental message: that self-care is not a luxury, but rather a daily skill we build step by step in a university environment that embraces everyone.”

The initiative reflected the university’s commitment to promoting a culture of mental health and providing a supportive campus environment that places human health and well-being at the heart of its priorities, based on the importance of mental health in enhancing focus and productivity, building positive relationships, and improving quality of life.