King Abdulaziz University Launches World Mental Health Day 2025 Activities to Strengthen Crisis and Disaster Support

King Abdulaziz University, through its Faculty of Arts and Humanities, launched the World Mental Health Day 2025 initiative under the theme “Access to Mental Health Services in Crises and Disasters.” Held on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the King Faisal Conference Center, the event aimed to raise awareness of mental health and highlight the importance of specialized psychological support during emergencies.

An accompanying exhibition featured educational booths offering guidance, resources, and counseling services to visitors. The opening ceremony included a panel discussion titled “From Crisis to Recovery,” moderated by Prof. Nisreen Yacoub, with participation from Dr. Fatimah Al-Ghamdi and Dr. Rana Banaja. The discussion addressed the vital role of psychosocial support systems in overcoming the challenges posed by crises and disasters.

The day’s training workshops focused on equipping participants with practical skills to support mental health in emergency contexts. Sessions emphasized immediate trauma response, including psychological first aid, and guided attendees through pathways for clinical diagnosis and therapeutic recovery.

Workshops also explored strategies for building resilience and fostering long-term healing, including mindfulness-based support for children, the activation of peer support groups, and the promotion of post-traumatic growth, transforming adversity into positive psychological strength.

A notable feature of the program was its focus on awareness and the integration of emerging technologies. The sessions presented scientific and theoretical frameworks for understanding psychological crises and explored the role of artificial intelligence as a powerful tool for expanding access to mental health support and improving service delivery in times of crisis. The initiative provided comprehensive, hands-on training designed to enable the delivery of effective, sustainable psychological care.