Abu Dhabi University Leads In Supporting Student Mental Wellbeing

With the World Health Organisation highlighting that one in eight people globally are affected by mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, the discourse surrounding mental health has become increasingly significant. Depression ranks as one of the leading health issues worldwide, sparking a broader conversation about the importance of mental well-being.

The stigma traditionally associated with seeking help for mental health challenges is diminishing, a change accelerated by the isolation experienced during the pandemic, underscoring the value of communication and human connection. Abu Dhabi University (ADU) places the mental health and wellbeing of its students and faculty at the forefront of its priorities, striving to foster an environment conducive to openly addressing and nurturing mental health.

Dr. Haleama Al Sabbah, Associate Professor of Public Health, Abu Dhabi University, speaks about ADU's Health and Wellness Ambassador (HWA) programme, targeted at students in the College of Health Sciences (CoHS). This initiative allows participants to actively contribute to promoting health and wellbeing within the local community. Ambassadors undergo extensive training in professional health and wellbeing, mental health, public health, environmental health, and nutrition.

She reiterated that they engage in organizing health awareness activities for notable occasions like World Tobacco Day, World Health Day, World Diabetes Day, and World Mental Health Day, among others. This programme not only serves to educate ADU’s community on a wide array of health issues but also empowers students with the knowledge to maintain optimal mental health, recognize symptoms of depression, and provide support for those in need.

Sport and Social Clubs

Research underscores the positive correlation between sport participation and mental health. Dr. Al Sabah pointed out that ADU boasts an extensive array of sports clubs, catering to students across all skill levels in sports such as tennis, football, volleyball, cricket, and basketball, under the guidance of qualified coaches. These clubs are instrumental in teaching teamwork and leadership skills, promoting physical fitness, and providing a platform for social interaction and making new friends. More information about ADU's sports clubs can be found at their official website.

Student Counselling

ADU offers complimentary counselling services to all its students, addressing personal issues or academic-related challenges. The team of qualified counsellors ensures confidentiality and, when necessary, can refer students to specialized professionals for further assistance. Additionally, the counselling team conducts workshops to enhance interpersonal and academic skills and evaluates students with special needs to accommodate them appropriately. To learn more about these mental health initiatives, interested individuals are encouraged to visit ADU's website.

ADU continues to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of its community through these comprehensive initiatives, reflecting a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. By promoting open discussion and providing necessary resources and support, ADU aims to empower its students and faculty to address mental health proactively, contributing to the broader effort to destigmatize mental health challenges.