3.3.5 Does your university as a body provide students with access to free mental health support?
BAU Psycho-social Unit
Introduction:
In the light of the accelerating rhythm of modern life and the increasing needs of university students for support, both psychologically and socially, to be able to better face the stressors and difficulties of daily life, the Faculty of Human Sciences (Psychology Department) proposes the establishment of the Psycho-social Unit at BAU. This unit becomes an inevitable requirement for the welfare of BAU students. Such a step will be a pioneering contribution by BAU among Lebanese universities.
The Unit offers counseling services and interventions, including but not limited to psychological, social and educational services for the students. These services are rendered in accordance with world-wide counseling, therapeutic psychological and ethical standards which regulate psycho-social services. The guiding principle for the Unit is nondiscrimination and equality.
Vision:
The Unit aims to be a pioneer in Lebanon, that offers psychological and social services to the students at the university, while empowering them to achieve their inner adjustment in both psychological and social terms.
Mission:
The Unit seeks to effectively contribute to the self-development of the students who are in need of care and psycho-social support. The aim is to help them attain the optimal level of psycho-social adjustment with themselves and their surroundings, by providing counseling sessions and raising awareness.
Beirut Arab University’s concept of social responsibility towards the Lebanese society has manifested itself over the years on various educational, academic and social levels, through crises and unpleasant events, in particular the recent dramatic events of August 4th, 2020. The explosion of the Beirut Port has aggravated the suffering of the people in this country, in particular the psychological suffering that requires immediate psychological intervention to help the distressed overcome this crisis towards a gradual return to a normal life style. The Faculty of Human Sciences, as part of the diverse services rendered by Beirut Arab University to the Lebanese community in this crisis, proposes to offer psychological guidance and support, through the following:
To receive all those who suffer psychologically in reaction to the Beirut Port incident, as well as subsequent loss or grief, at the Psycho-social Unit, the Faculty of Human Sciences, Beirut Arab University (Hariri Building, Floor 10), as of 17th August 2020, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
In collaboration with Radio Liban, a four-week live program will be held every Friday at 10:30 am to receive calls from the audience, to respond to their questions on all topics relevant to trauma and PTSD at various ages, and to offer advice and psychological first aid, as well as coping strategies that enhance resilience, and mechanisms to restore confidence and a positive outlook for Lebanon.
For further information, please call the hotline 70/999036
Social Psychology and Interpersonal Processes
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Society-Culture-and-Human-Behavior/social-psychology-and-interpersonal-processes
Society, culture, and human behavior significantly influence health and well-being. This subtheme serves SDG 3 by examining how social and cultural factors impact health outcomes, health behaviors, and access to healthcare. It explores the role of social norms, cultural practices, and behavioral change in promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing diseases, and ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services
By understanding social psychological processes in educational settings, researchers can contribute to creating inclusive and effective learning environments that promote equality and diversity.
Research in this subtheme can shed light on the underlying mechanisms of gender-based discrimination and contribute to the development of strategies to promote gender equality and reduce gender-based stereotypes and biases.
By investigating social psychological processes related to prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup relations, researchers can inform interventions that aim to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion.
Understanding the dynamics of conflict, cooperation, and social influence can contribute to the development of strategies for conflict resolution, promoting social justice, and building stronger institutions.
Opening the “Psychosocial Counselling Unit” At Beirut Arab University
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Opening-the-Psychosocial-Counselling-Unit-At-Beirut-Arab-University
The Faculty of Human Sciences at Beirut Arab University opened the "Psychosocial Counselling Unit" in the presence of the President of the University, Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, Secretary-General, Dr. Omar Houri, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences, Professor Siddeeka Lasheen, Deans of faculties, faculty members and students.
This unit provides counselling services and interventions, including psychological, social and educational services for university students to enable them achieve psychosocial compatibility.
The unit seeks to promote self-development of students in need of psychological and social care and support through guidance and counselling sessions according to professional and ethical standards, as well as dissemination of psychological awareness.
The general objective of the Unit is to achieve students' mental health by:
- Providing psychosocial counselling services to students.
- Helping students develop their personalities and refine their skills.
- Modifying unhealthy behaviours resulting from life and social stress.
- Implementation of preventive and extension programmes for students.
- Empowering students to manage their lives efficiently and improve their ability to solve their problems.
- Working to disseminate psychological culture through different sectors at the university.
The idea of establishing this "unit" is part of the University's strategy and policy towards its surrounding to improve the conditions of its community and enable them achieve a healthier life.
Psychology Laboratory
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Facilities-and-Services
The Psychology Laboratory is located on the 10th floor in the Faculty of Human Sciences. It comprises a number of instruments that correspond to the empirical part of learning theories of psychology. The lab includes different batteries that assess intellectual skills, aptitudes, attitudes, and motivations, as well as scales to assess mental abilities. In addition, the psychology laboratory includes a variety of personality scales, mental health scales, and Clinical and Diagnostic Emotional scales. Students are trained on how to apply these scales, correct the scales and interpret the scores according to psychological theories.
Lecture on "Legal and Ethical Challenges of Practicing the Profession of Psychologist in Lebanon"
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=774724391356949&set=a.668151805347542
World Mental Health Day Event- Tripoli Campus
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=752446550251400&set=a.668151805347542
World Mental Health Day
https://www.facebook.com/BeirutArabUniversity/posts/pfbid08etogcW1mPjugWkt26HeWWRKMo2E2HctKc38Li2j3GxEzj4VQdUWAWr4RzoK6m34l
On the occasion of the World Mental Health Day, Médecins du Monde, in partnership with Beirut Arab University- Tripoli Campus and The French Development Agency (AFD), celebrated the Day under the theme of this year: “Mental health is a Universal human right”. The event entailed in the beginning a brief presentation to the students about the organization and the specialized mental health services provided to all members of the community through the Community Mental Health and Substance Use Center.
After the session students engaged in interactive games and practiced a breathing technique in a special equipped relaxation room for the activity, in addition to enjoying art therapy, and discussing stress coping mechanisms, myth and facts , introduction to mental health awareness and crosswords. During these games, gifts were provided to the participants. the activity included a musical performance for the BAU Music club in Tripoli, entertaining the BAU community in Campus with beautiful songs and calming music.
A Journey Through the Mind
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=914045317424855&set=a.668151805347542
Cooperation Agreement between Beirut Arab University and Lebanese Association for Technics and Psychological Tests
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Cooperation-Agreement-between-Beirut-Arab-University-and-Lebanese-Association-for-Technics-and-Psychological-Tests
Beirut Arab University, represented by its President, Prof. Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, signed a cooperation agreement with the Lebanese Association for Technics and Psychological Tests represented by its President, Dr. Antoine Al Chartouni. The cooperation agreement aims to prepare distinguished staff who are psychologists through the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences and providing specialized technical services and consultations through the Psychosocial Unit in the faculty in order to contribute to the sustainable development of society.
The cooperation agreement also aims to train university students in the Department of Psychology on psychological techniques and tests used in mental health clinics and centers through organizing seminars and training courses on the campus. The association also cooperates with the Department of Psychology in organizing "Psychology Laboratory" and conducting scientific studies to standardize questionnaires and scales in cooperation with students. The Association shall grant eligible students a training certificate with the tests on which they were trained that is certified by the association.
Depression and Women
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Medicine/Event/Depression-and-Women
A lecture about Depression and Women was delivered by Dr Hania Jarkas ,Neurologist. It explains that depression is the most common psychiatric disorder worldwide. It is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Women suffer from depression twice more than men do. Depression has severe bad impact on the patient quality of life and mortality.
Women suffer from special types of depression such as : depression before menses, depression during pregnancy, postpartum depression, and depression related to menopause. Maternal depression has multiple harmful impacts on her pregnancy, and on the offspring from neonatal period till adolescence. Physicians from different specialities should screen for depression. Treatment occurs through pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.
The Lecture took place on Wednesday 22 March 2017 at Ali Rashed Hall , Main building ,Beirut campus
Mental Health Awareness Health Campaign
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/Event/Mental-Health-Awareness-Health-Campaign
The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University in cooperation with the Lebanese Medical Students' International Committee (LeMSIC), organized a Mental Health Awareness Campaign, in order to spread awareness about this public health topic.
The Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) focused on the importance of prevention as a basis of a healthier life, emphasizing on the importance of this awareness in order to protect the population from the health consequence of these mental illnesses.
Four Issues were discussed that affect and tackle the four different mental health issues:
1) Depression and Suicide
2) Stress and Anxiety
3) Eating disorders
4) Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
These topics were chosen due to their importance as public health issues and to their frequency in the community. Infographics and educational posters were presented and distributed in order to elaborate more on the importance of these factors.
During this Campaign, educational games took place in order to deliver the information but in a fun way to the students.
Personality and Health Psychology
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Personality-and-Health-Psychology
The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Beirut Arab University, organized its annual International Conference, entitled Personality and Health Psychology. Both inter- and multi-disciplinary, the conference brought together scholars from Kuwait, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Tunisia, Iran and Lebanon. The conference opened with a lecture by keynote speaker, Prof. Basem El Shabb, Cardiac Surgeon and Member of the Parliament, followed by seven sessions which covered various themes, such as “Personality and Health”, “Health, Culture and Quality of Life”, “Health, Illness and Medical Models”, “Stress and Health”, “Counseling and Therapy”, “Media and Positive Psychology” and “Health Issues among Children, Women and the Elderly”. The conference issued a number of recommendations.
“Personality and Health Psychology” International Conference at Beirut Arab University
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/-Personality-and-Health-Psychology-International-Conference-at-Beirut-Arab-University
The Faculty of Human Sciences at Beirut Arab University organized an International Conference entitled “Personality and Health Psychology” at Beirut Campus. The conference was held under the patronage of the Vice President of the Minister of Councils and the Minister of Public Health H.E. Mr. Ghassan Hasbani, represented by Dr. Rabih Shammaie, Director of the National Mental Health Program. The conference was attended by Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, academics and specialists, researchers and scholars from a number of Arab and foreign countries, as well as the students. MP and cardiologist, Deputy Dr. Bassem Chabb was the keynote speaker the two-day conference. After the National and the BAU Anthems were played, Dr. Laila Helmi presented the opening session, introducing Prof. Mayssah El Nayal, Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences at BAU. In her word, the Dean offered a definition of health psychology, explaining its focus on physical disorders, chronic diseases, tumors and smoking cessation. She also referred to studies that establish a connection between personality and health psychology, stating that there are certain determinant factors in personality that may lead to good or bad health. The Dean pointed out that the conference aims to explore, discuss, debate and recommend. Ms. Jihan Kaissi delivered the word of the civil society, stressing the fact that their aim is the prosperity of humans. She added that UN data indicates that there are around 142 million persons in the world in need of humanitarian aid, distributed in 40 countries around the world. Calling upon the audience not to lose hope, she highlighted the values that civil society organizations have upheld, including professionalism, neutrality, transparency and respect. Mr. Bashir Hussein spoke for APHEDA, highlighting that the organization supports projects in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and other countries in Africa and Asia. He also emphasized the link between the civil society and academics, stressing the need for coordination among them. Mr. Hanna Khoury delivered the word of GLOBAL ELT Solutions, celebrating the academic Memorandum of Understanding recently concluded between the publisher and BAU, towards the fostering of educational values. Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi’s word maintained that with the increasing problems and conflicts the world faces, there is a rise in the psychological and emotional stress people feel. He highlighted the diverse interests of the conference which are a contribution to a world-wide dialogue, stating that the papers discussed at the conference will have a positive impact on both psychology and human health. The last word delivered was that of H.E. Minister Hasbani, presented by his representative Dr. Shammaie, who explained that mental health is the foundation for health. He indicated the current prevalence of psychological diseases, since one out of four persons is facing some kind of psychological disorder in their lives. He also pointed out that the necessary health services are absent, stating that one out of every 10 people is incapable of accessing mental health services. Traditional culture that most people uphold leads them to avoid the therapist as shameful. He invited Beirut Arab University to a cooperation with the Ministry’s Strategic Mental Health Program in the coming years, since the Ministry has great respect for the University’s efforts in research.
Senior Students of the Psychology Department Visit to the Sidon Orphan Welfare Society in the Southern City of Saida
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Senior-Students-of-the-Psychology-Department-Visit-to-the-Sidon-Orphan-Welfare-Society-in-the-Southern-City-of-Saida
A visit to the Sidon Orphan Welfare Society in the Southern city of Saida was organized for the senior students of the Psychology Department, Faculty of Human Sciences, Beirut Arab University. The aim was to familiarize the students with the various psychological services offered to children with special needs, in particular those mentally and physically challenged, as well as autistic children. The services were explained and elaborated in great details, in preparation for training the students at the Society in the technicalities of how to handle children with special needs.
Field visit for psychology department students for training at Al-Faqih Hospital
زيارة ميدانية لطلاب قسم علم النفس للتدريب في مستشفى الفقيه | Beirut Arab University (bau.edu.lb)
Practical Field Training
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Practical-Field-Training
As part of the practical field training required in the courses of “Clinical Psychology” and “Counseling and Psychotherapy” taken by the graduating students at the Psychology Department, Faculty of Human Sciences, a field trip was organized to the Mental Health Department at Al Fakih Hospital. The students received hands-on training in conducting interviews with some cases at the hospital, as well as the means to diagnose and to write a psychological report. Further, the students were introduced to some therapy techniques needed in their future careers. The visit was hosted by the Director of Al Fakih Hospital and psycho-therapists there.
Authentic Happiness
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Authentic-Happiness
The Faculty of Arts hosted a lecture entitled “Authentic Happiness” on Thursday, 13th March 2014. The lecture tackled the various components and sources of happiness, as well as the means to attain it.
Leo Bormans, Ambassador of Happiness, at the Faculty of Arts, BAU
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Leo-Bormans-Ambassador-of-Happiness-at-the-Faculty-of-Arts-BAU
As part of the international conference on “The Positive Aspects of Life”, the Faculty of Arts hosted Prof. Leo Bormans, Ambassador of Happiness, for a talk on “World Happiness”. The workshop was held in Aly Rached Hall on 12th December 2013 and was attended by staff-members and students.
The Positive Aspects of Life
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/The-Positive-Aspects-of-Life
The Psychology Department at the Faculty of Arts organized an international conference on “The Positive Aspects of Life” on 10th & 11th December 2013. The conference hosted a large number of Lebanese and international scholars. Interdisciplinary in nature, the conference covered areas ranging from mass communication, commerce and sociology to health and medicine, in their various intersections with positive psychology.
The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Beirut Arab University, organized its annual International Conference, entitled Personality and Health Psychology. Both inter- and multi-disciplinary, the conference brought together scholars from Kuwait, Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Tunisia, Iran and Lebanon. The conference opened with a lecture by keynote speaker, Prof. Basem El Shabb, Cardiac Surgeon and Member of the Parliament, followed by seven sessions which covered various themes, such as “Personality and Health”, “Health, Culture and Quality of Life”, “Health, Illness and Medical Models”, “Stress and Health”, “Counseling and Therapy”, “Media and Positive Psychology” and “Health Issues among Children, Women and the Elderly”. The conference issued a number of recommendations.
Behavior Modification
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/Behavior-Modification
Dr. Mayssah El Nayal, Professor of Psychology and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, BAU, presented a workshop of entitled “Behavior Modification”, organized by the Women’s Humanitarian Organization in Beirut. The workshop was held on Saturday, 1st December 2012, and was attended by psychologists, sociologists and social workers. The workshop focused on the concepts of behavior, motivation, and modification, as well as on the strategies and techniques of behavior modification. The trainees discussed a number of cases and methods of behavior modification of students in the classroom and in society.
A Lecture by Dr. Zahida Darwish on “The Youth, UNESCO and the Challenges of the Times”
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Human-Sciences/Event/A-Lecture-by-Dr-Zahida-Darwish-on-The-Youth-UNESCO-and-the-Challenges-of-the-Times
BAU hosted a lecture given by the Secretary General of UNESCO in Beirut, Dr. Zahida Darwish, on “The Youth, UNESCO, and the Challenges of the Times”, upon an invitation extended by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, BAU, Prof. Mayssah El Nayal.
Hailing the significant educational role of BAU, Dr. Darwish then delivered her talk in which she highlighted the work conducted at UNESCO and the National Committee, the issue of youth, and the challenges of the times.
Awareness Workshop Celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Awareness-Workshop-Celebrating-the-International-Day-for-the-Elimination-of-Violence-against-Women
For the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women, the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University in collaboration with the Lebanese National Commission for UNESCO (LNCU) and Internal Security Forces ISF organized a workshop on Friday 4th of December 2020 at the village of Khrab El Hayatt- Akkar within the framework of 16 days to raise awareness globally on the elimination of violence against women.
The workshop, was represented by Dr. Tala Zein from the Lebanese National commission for UNESCO, Ms. Salam Zahran from the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, and Major Youssef El Dekweir from the Internal security forces . It targeted 25 participants mainly females, aimed at increasing public awareness on violence against women; building capacity and understanding main definitions and concepts in the framework of Women’s Rights; engaging youth in promoting women’s rights and contribution to fight discrimination within their society. In addition participants were trained on entrepreneur skills in developing projects and business.
Webinar Held about Harassment and Bullying in the Laws of Arab Countries between Reality and Expectations
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/Webinar-Held-about-Harassment-and-Bullying-in-the-Laws-of-Arab-Countries-between-Reality-and-Expectations
The Faculty of Law and Political Science at Beirut Arab University in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Gulf Countries held a webinar about “Harassment and Bullying in the laws of Arab countries between Reality and Expectations”. Civil society organizations, a number of specialists in the field of law, researchers and interested people in the issue of harassment and bullying, and 470 participants were present to listen to the session. The Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science Dr. Mohammad Hassan Kassem, MP Inaya Ezzeddine, the Regional Representative in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for Gulf Countries Judge Dr. Hatim Ali, Judge Hazem Kassem from Arab Republic of Egypt, Judge at the Administrative Prosecution Authority in Egypt Dr. Khaled Abul Wafa talked in the webinar. From Lebanon Judge Fatima Majed, Assistant Public Prosecutor in the Sultanate of Oman Professor Maysar Al-Ruqishi, Head of Planning and Analysis Unit at the Ministry of Interior in Lebanon Major Tarek Hassaballah, Director of Operations at Shorufat Center for Globalization and Terrorism Studies in Jordan Dr. Khawla El Hassan, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Tunis official Professor Taqwa Saedana, from Syria, Lawyer Rola Baghdadi.
The webinar was held under the supervision and management of the Associate Professor Dr. Tartil Turki Darwish and discussed the development of harassment and bullying laws in several Arab countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Jordan, in addition to discussing the development of harassment and bullying laws in France and Britain. The webinar also discussed proposals for developing the Arab laws, especially adding the law of bullying to the Arab laws, and working on developing the law of harassment stipulated in some Arab countries' legislations. It also reviewed some positive points and discussed the gaps in some Arab laws in addition to working to find realistic solutions for these legal loopholes.
A Webinar Intervention for the Dean of the Faculty of Human Sciences on Arab Women and Psychological Stress, Techniques and Solutions
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/News/A-Webinar-Intervention-for-the-Dean-of-the-Faculty-of-Human-Sciences-on-Arab-Women-and-Psychological-Stress-Techniques-and-Solutions
In collaboration with the Kuwait Trade Union Federation, and in coordination with the Kuwaiti Working Women Committee, Prof. Mayssah El Nayal gave a talk as part of the Webinar on “Arab Women and Psychological Stress: Techniques and Solutions”. The webinar was conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, 13th October 2020, with the participation of around 80 attendees from 20 countries.
The webinar focused on the nature of psychological stress and its impact upon healthy behavior, in particular in the light of the current situation. With particular reference to Covid-19, the webinar tackled the nature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting strategies for coping and the most prominent therapies available. The webinar concluded with a number of questions from the participants relevant to psychological stress and the age of Corona.
"Depression and Women" Lecture for the Faculty of Medicine
https://www.bau.edu.lb/Public-Relations/Event/Depression-and-Women-Lecture-for-the-Faculty-of-Medicine
The Faculty of Medicine at Beirut Arab University will be organizing a lecture entitled " Depression and Women" on Wednesday March 22nd, 2017 at Ali Rached Hall- Beirut Campus from 2:00 P.M, till 4:00 P.M.
Mental Health Day
https://www.instagram.com/p/CyN1cDcNG0E/
On World Mental Health Day, what are the guidelines to maintain our mental health?
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