AUS Student Mental Health Week: Embracing self-care

Underlining the universal importance of mental well-being, American University of Sharjah (AUS) is launching a series of events in commemoration of World Mental Health Day on October 10. The three-day initiative aims to highlight the importance of self-care, marking it as both a personal and collective duty.

On the occasion, Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, addressed the university community saying: “This day is a reminder for us to take care of ourselves and our mental health. Sometimes we cannot handle the pressures of life alone and it is okay to seek help when and where you can. As a community, we are here to support each other. Mental Health is not a privilege but a right for all. We need to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues and create an environment where every member of the AUS community feels safe and supported to exercise this right.”     

The Mental Health Week program promises the AUS community with a variety of activities to mark the occasion, including sessions on mental health and self-care, mindfulness and meditation, with participation from student clubs, faculty, staff and guest speakers. On October 12, Her Highness Dr. Sayyida Basma Al Said, Founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic, will speak on mental health first aid. 

"People today have become more aware of the importance of mental health. Emphasizing mental health as a universal right is not limited to an event; it is a movement that drives change for the better. By emphasizing the importance of self-care, AUS is sending a message that we all need to prioritize mental health, acknowledge its central role in sustaining our well-being and help the community make progress toward creating positive change,” said Suhaila Mohammed from the AUS University Counseling Services Department.

Students will also have the opportunity to take part in several breathwork sessions; experience a sound bath; attend meditation, yoga and stretching sessions held by AUS faculty and staff.

Maryam Al Khayatt, a senior psychology student and President of Psychology Club reflected on the importance of this event, stating: "Mental health influences our thoughts, emotions and actions. It shapes our resilience to stress, our interactions with others and our decision-making abilities. As university students, we are at a pivotal juncture in our lives, where experience stress, face myriad challenges and make significant choices. This is why, spearing awareness about the significance of mental health and available resources —within and outside AUS —is paramount to enhancing our emotional and psychological well-being."

The World Mental Health Day initiative at AUS complements the university’s diverse range of on-campus resources dedicated to promoting self-care and supporting mental health. These include the University Counseling Services, the Academic Support Center, Athletics and Recreation, Student Affairs and well-being resources in the AUS Library, all of which are available to all AUS students.

To know more about the series of events, visit www.info.aus.edu/mentalhealthday.