Antonine University (UA) was able to embody its commitment to creating an environment conducive to the integral human development in an increasingly uncertain and turbulent world. Driven by 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. The goal is to offer a tangible experience through the multidimensional wellness framework, guiding personal growth seekers toward 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 Well-being” and organized by the Vice Rectorate for Integral Human development (VRIHD). This week-long event started with an opening ceremony, which was livestreamed on 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, 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 head of departments, faculty members, employees, and students, as well as external participants, were pleased to attend the ceremony and 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 that the world is currently facing. He began his speech by acknowledging the difficulty in finding the right answer to the frequently asked yet unanswerable question in times of crisis and darkness: “Are you doing well?” The Rector highlighted that at UA, these 4 words carry a lot of meaning and power, as the “integral human development” and the “sustainable well-being of the community” are at the heart of the University’s mission and values. According to him, well-being is not a static process but rather a dynamic one “through which people become aware of, and make choices toward a more successful existence,” thus stressing the importance of taking charge of one’s own well-being and doing what it takes to live happier, healthier, and better lives. In truth, UA aims to help its community members dive into an “oasis of well-being” 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 well-being.
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 underscores the urgency and importance of addressing mental health needs in the country. He pointed out that the Lebanese people, who have been 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 and the number of people who have benefited from them. This was followed by the testimonies of 2 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.
The panel discussion, entitled “Early Intervention to Promote Long-term Mental Well-being and Flourishing,” 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 were addressed: “Eating Behaviors: State of the Art,” “Addiction and Beyond,” “Early Signs of Schizophrenia (Prodrome),” and “Updated Approaches for Psychological Therapy.” The respective speakers were: 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. Participants are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and actively engage in the exciting upcoming sessions throughout the week. We strongly encourage you to register.
You can access the Rector’s speech delivered on this occasion | [EN]