Qatar University celebrates World Mental Health Day 2011

Qatar University (QU) has celebrated World Mental Health Day 2011 under the slogan "More Awareness, Better Mental Health". The event, which was organized by the Student Counseling Center, included educational lectures and presentations by guest speakers from organizations and academic institutions in Doha such as the Social Rehabilitation Center (Al -Aween), Family Counseling Center, Qatar Community College, Mental Health Hospital-Hamad Hospital and Hamza bin Abd Al-Motalib School. The event celebrated earlier Monday , on October 10 aimed to increase awareness of mental health disorders, introduce effective sources of treatment, and strengthen collaboration between mental health specialists and academic institutions. In his address, QU VP for Student Affairs Dr Omar Ansari, said, "This event demonstrates QU''s role in uplifting its students academically as well as engaging them on their psychological challenges. This is the first time for us to celebrate World Mental Health Day which we acknowledge as important for bringing to public awareness the impact of mental illness on individuals and society in general. It is also a day to celebrate those who have overcome such challenges." He added further, "This event is an invaluable opportunity to meet and share experiences with specialists in the field and promote dialogue on mental illness and disorders towards sustainable solutions." In her presentation "The Reality of Change", Director Student Counseling Center Ms Hannah Omar, noted the factors that lead to success in psychological counseling. "It depends on how treatment is approached, client hopes and expectations, his/her willingness and motivation to communicate, addressing issues of ego, as well as support from family and society," she said. Other presentation titles included "There Is a Patient in Our House", "Suicidal Behavior -- Contemporary Issues", "Health of Marital Relationship", Mental Health Issues and College Students", "Mental Illnesses between Drugs & Psychological Counseling", and "The Relation between Parenting Skills and Issues that Face Adolescents". The program agenda also included an open discussion about mental health issues and disorders