In a heartfelt response to the ongoing challenges faced by communities affected by conflict, the Vice Rectorate for Integral Human Development at Antonine University (UA) has launched a series of wellness sessions during the Fall Semester 2024. Under the compassionate theme “Healing the Invisible Wounds: Path to Hope in Times of War,” these sessions were designed to address the psychological impacts of war and provide vital support to individuals navigating these difficult times. By offering a mix of on-campus and virtual sessions, UA ensured that participants from all corners of Lebanon and beyond could access the support they needed.
The initiative began on October 17 with the first session, “Dreaming of Being: It Is OK Not to Be OK During Abnormalities.” Led by Ms. Nicole El Beyrouthy, a psychotherapist and university instructor at UA’s Faculty of Sport Sciences, this session emphasized the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles in the face of trauma. Ms. El Beyrouthy encouraged participants to practice self-compassion and learn techniques for managing anxiety. Her insights aimed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and promote a deeper understanding of war trauma and its effects.
On October 28, the second session, “Where Is God in Times of War?” brought together Fr. Ramzi Jreige, a Lazarist, and Fr. Jean Al Alam, a psychotherapist. Moderated by news anchor Mr. Yazbek Wehbe, this engaging podcast explored the intersection of spirituality and mental health during crises. The discussion invited participants to reflect on how faith can provide hope and purpose amidst suffering, helping them navigate the challenges of maintaining spiritual beliefs in difficult times.
The third session, “How to Be Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically Resilient Amidst Uncertainty,” was held on November 5 and led by Ms. Claudia Nehme, a psychotherapist consultant and university instructor. Participants learned how to maintain focus on their studies despite adversity. Through mindfulness exercises and discussions on the importance of physical activity, they were empowered to seek help when facing dark thoughts.
On November 13, Ms. Nadine Zakaria facilitated an interactive gathering titled “Building Resilience Through Self-compassion and Mindfulness.” This session included an art therapy component, allowing attendees to express their emotions, thus fostering a sense of empowerment and inner calm amidst uncertainty.
The fifth session, “Empathic Listening and the Creation of Resonant Spaces,” conducted on November 28 by Mr. Marquis Bureau from Saint Paul University (SPU) in Canada, highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for sharing experiences. This approach reinforced community connections and nurtured collective resilience, encouraging dialogue rooted in compassion and understanding.
Finally, on December 5, Dr. Bianca Briciu from SPU concluded the series with a session titled “Emotional Connection for Resilience During Times of Trauma.” She emphasized that social relationships can serve as a protective layer against vulnerabilities. Dr. Briciu introduced practices such as compassion meditation and embodied allyship exercises to cultivate feelings of safety and belonging.
The “Healing the Invisible Wounds” wellness sessions have provided essential support to the UA community, equipping participants with tools to navigate these challenging times. By focusing on mental health and resilience, Antonine University reaffirms its commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for all. As the Semester draws to a close, the institution stands strong in its dedication to the well-being of its students and the broader community, ready to face adversity with hope and resilience.
You can watch these inspiring sessions on YouTube via this link.