UOD | October 13, 2025 | University Press Office (UNPO) —
The University of Duhok (UOD) commemorated World Mental Health Day 2025 on October 9, through a university-wide awareness event emphasizing the importance of mental well-being as a foundation for personal growth, academic success, and community resilience.

The event, held at the Peshmerga Hall in the Student Center, was attended by Dr. Dawood Sulaiman Atrushi, President of the University of Duhok, and Dr. Nabaz Ibrahim Mohammed, Vice President for Student Affairs, alongside academic staff, mental health professionals, and representatives from local and international organizations.

Organized by the Psycho-Social Counseling and Student Services Center in cooperation with the Department of Educational Counseling at the College of Basic Education, and in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Better World Organization, the commemoration served as a key step in UOD’s ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness within the university community and beyond.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness and Early Support

In her opening remarks, Dr. Dilvin Miqdad Ahmed, Director of the Psycho-Social Counseling and Student Services Center, highlighted the crucial role of education and awareness in addressing psychological well-being.

“Commemorating World Mental Health Day is not only an annual event—it’s a responsibility we share as educators and citizens,” Dr. Dilveen stated.
“Understanding mental health helps us create compassionate communities. Psychological first aid should be as common as physical first aid—accessible at home, in schools, and at universities.”

Student Engagement and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Students from the College of Basic Education (Departments of Educational Counseling and Kindergarten), College of Medicine, Department of Psychology Sciences, and College of Science took part in the event’s interactive sessions. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health practitioners also joined, reflecting UOD’s interdisciplinary approach to tackling mental health.

A panel discussion titled “Causes and Treatments of Mental Health” brought together key experts, including:

• Dr. Mohammed Saeed, mental health specialist
  
  
• Dr. Dilvin Miqdad Ahmed, Director of the Counseling Center
  
  
• Mr. Diyan Jaafar, Director of Migration, Displacement, and Crisis Response
  
  
• Ms. Kawthar Mohammed, representative from Better World Organization
  
  

The panel explored the intersection of migration, social stress, and access to mental health services, encouraging dialogue among students, academics, and practitioners.

Expert Insights: Redefining Mental Health in Society

Dr. Yousif Ali Yassin, lecturer at UOD, shared valuable insights referencing the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of mental health, which includes four main pillars:

“Recognizing one’s abilities, building self-confidence, being productive, and actively participating in society—these are the cornerstones of mental health,” he explained.

Alignment with UOD’s Strategic Vision (2023–2030)

This event aligns with the University of Duhok’s Strategic Plan (2023–2030), particularly its pillars on:

• Student Well-Being and Support Services
  
  
• Community Engagement and Public Health Awareness
  
  
• Capacity Building and Staff Development
  
  
• Sustainability and Resilient Communities
  
  

Through initiatives like this, UOD continues to strengthen its role as a center of knowledge, empathy, and social responsibility, ensuring that both students and faculty are empowered to address mental health challenges with awareness and compassion.

About World Mental Health Day

Celebrated annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being. The University of Duhok joins this global movement to highlight the importance of mental health as a universal human right and a pillar of sustainable development.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MEDIA COVERAGE FOR THIS EVENT

University Press Office, October 13, 2025
Reported by: Harman Jangeer Ahmed
Photography by: Mohammed. A. Tahar

The News Keywords:

• University of Duhok mental health awareness
  
  
• World Mental Health Day 2025 Kurdistan
  
  
• Psychological Counseling Center UOD
  
  
• IOM and Better World partnership
  
  
• Student well-being and community engagement