Antonine University (UA) was able to embody its commitment to create an environment that is conducive to the integral human development in an increasingly uncertain and turbulent world. In fact, out of a desire to build a healthy, inclusive, caring, and supportive community, UA has put in place a unique, ambitious, and innovative initiative in the Lebanese academic landscape, to help its faculty members, staff, and students, as well as the external public, set their goals and achieve their aspirations while improving themselves every day. Its aim was to offer a tangible experience through the multidimensional wellness framework to show personal growth seekers the path that leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

It is within this context that UA is proud to have received the patronage of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health for the second edition of the “Wellness and Mental Health Week”, launched under the theme of “Flourish Your Wellbeing” and organized by the Vice Rectorate for Integral Human development (VRIHD). This week-long event started with an opening ceremony which was livestreamed on the UA’s official Facebook page and held on Monday, March 28 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the presence of honorable guests, among whom was Dr. Joseph El Helou, representative of the Minister of Public Health and Director of the Medical Care Directorate at the Ministry of Public, alongside distinguished experts from the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross. Furthermore, the UA community, namely the university’s rector, Fr. Michel Jalakh, the vice rectors, deans and directors, faculty members, employees, and students, as well as external participants were pleased to attend the ceremony and be united to share this moment.

On this occasion, Fr. Jalakh delivered a message of hope and resilience, despite the “multifaceted, highly complex, and reason-defying chaos” and the confusion and insecurity we are currently immersed in. He began his speech with the most frequently asked yet unanswerable question in times of crisis and darkness: “Are you doing well?”. We can realize how hard it is to find the right answer, as walking along the path of wellness has become very challenging. The rector highlighted that at UA, these four words carry a lot of meaning and power, especially that the “integral human development” and the sustainable wellbeing of the community” are at the heart of the university’s mission and values. According to him, wellbeing is not a static process but rather a dynamic one “through which people become aware of, and make choices towards a more successful existence”, thus stressing the importance of taking charge of one’s own wellbeing and doing what it takes to live happier, healthier and better lives. In truth, the university’s aim is to help its community members dive into an “oasis of wellbeing” to brighten up their moments on campus, help them better take care of themselves and others, alleviate stress and anxiety, and have access to the resources they need, in an environment of mutual respect and care. He concluded his speech by emphasizing that “to have life in abundance” is the ultimate definition of wellbeing.

After the rector’s welcome address, Dr. El Helou gave a speech in which he described the devastating impact of the unprecedented challenges Lebanon has been experiencing since 2019, which shows the urgency and importance of addressing mental health needs in Lebanon as much as possible. He pointed out that the Lebanese people which were designated as “people of hope” are always victorious and resilient, as their strong will is what leads to the shaping of a better Lebanon. Dr. EL Helou ended his speech with a word of appreciation and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and the Lebanese Red Cross for their strenuous efforts and sacrifices. A video on “the UA wellness and mental health in numbers” was then projected, which reflected the wide range of activities and services offered by UA as well as how many people benefited from them. It was followed by the testimonies of two students who were able to boost their mental health and take advantage of the strong social support network at UA. They both wished to share the rewarding experience they had with the UA counseling service, in order to encourage their peers to speak out, break the fear barrier and seek support when needed.

As for the panel entitled “Early Intervention to Promote Long-Term Mental Wellbeing and Flourishing”, it was moderated by Prof. Charles Baddoura, Professor of Psychiatry, Honorary Member of the World Psychiatric Association, and Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross. The following topics: “Eating Behaviors: State of the Art”, “Addiction and Beyond”, “Early Signs of Schizophrenia (Prodrome)”, and “Updated Approaches for Psychological Therapy”, were respectively tackled by: Dr. Jocelyne Azar, Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University (LAU); Dr. Antoine Karam, Addiction Psychiatrist at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross’ Dr. Georges Haddad, Psychiatrist and Medical Director at the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, and Instructor at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) and at the Lebanese University (LU); and Ms. Martine Zoghbi, Psychologist and Psychotherapist. The ceremony ended with a wellness coffee break.

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and do not miss the exciting upcoming sessions throughout this week! We strongly encourage you to register.

Read the full speech delivered by the Rector at the Opening Ceremony.