The Deanship of Student Affairs (DSA) at the German Jordanian University (GJU) organized an Open Day on Mental Health Awareness, in collaboration with the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations – Jordan (IFMSA–JO).
The event aimed to highlight the importance of mental well-being as a key component of both academic and personal success through a series of activities and sessions that combined scientific awareness with creative engagement.
In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Farah Al-Atrash, Dean of Student Affairs, emphasized the significance of mental health for university students, noting that university life is a transitional phase often filled with academic and social pressures. She reaffirmed the Deanship’s commitment to supporting students and providing specialized and confidential counseling services to ensure a supportive environment that enables them to reach their full academic and personal potential.
Dr. Shifa Al-Shawabkeh, Psychological Counselor from the Office of Counseling and Student Empowerment at GJU, presented the services and resources available to students, along with a review of previous mental health initiatives. She noted that this event marks another important step toward raising
awareness and promoting attention to this vital aspect of university life.
The program featured lectures delivered by a group of psychologists, psychiatrists, and nutrition specialists, addressing topics such as anxiety and stress, coping mechanisms, depression and burnout, as well as substance and alcohol use among youth in Jordan and its impact on mental health. Speakers also discussed the importance of decision-making skills among university students.
The event also included specialized workshops led by Dr. Montaser Al-Hayari, Dr. Jana Zaablawi, Psychologist Nadine Al-Assaf, and Nutrition Specialist Otour Al-Jalayleh, covering topics such as managing academic stress, decision-making skills, and nutrition and brain health.
Students also had the opportunity to experience exposure therapy through virtual reality, engaging in interactive simulations of anxiety and various fears to deepen their understanding and awareness of these conditions.
The day also included student exhibition and interactive booths focused on both mental and physical health topics such as smoking, nutrition, physical activity, and direct engagement with medical professionals and therapists.