World Mental Health Day

October 10, 2021

Dear Members of the NYUAD Community,

We write to you today, on World Mental Health Day, to reiterate the importance of mental health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been deeply challenging in many ways. We’ve been forced to fear for our physical health and the well-being of our loved ones in a newly acute way, which, for many among us, has taken a toll on mental health. We have also suffered the relative isolation of remote school and work and the stresses of needing to learn completely new skills, like online learning, teaching one’s children, or running online meetings.

Burnout, anxiety, and disconnection are common experiences after more than a year of much uncertainty and loss. As we carefully return to in-person community, we do so recognizing that reaching out for support is more important than ever. It’s okay not to be okay, and it’s a strength to seek support.

Support is available to you at all times:

  • Mental health resources for students are available here and here.
  • Mental health resources for faculty and staff are available here.

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to continue to destigmatize mental health, to learn ways to support others in need, and to remind ourselves and others that mental health is something we all need and must nurture. Throughout the month of October, we will be offering programming and mental health support to make it easier to access resources and continue including this topic in normal everyday conversations.

World Mental Health Day Programming

Because recognizing mental health is important everyday, you can get involved with programming throughout October, including:

Open to All:

LightHouse Webinar: Your MindSet Matters for the NYUAD Community | Today - Sun Oct 10, 10:30am (Register)

Coffee Chats: Coffee Chats aim to create opportunities for genuine conversations about individual and shared experiences around mental health. Participants can hope to walk away feeling that they are not alone, that they will not be judged, and feeling supported.

This conversation will be facilitated by Farah Dahabi, LCSW and Mental Health First Aid UAE Director at Lighthouse Arabia. (Sign up here)

  • All Constituents | Monday Oct 11, 11am GST
  • Faculty-Only | Sunday Oct 17, 2pm GST
  • Staff-Only (including post-docs, instructors, and researchers) | Tuesday Oct 19, 2pm GST
  • Student-Only | Wednesday Oct 20, 6pm GST

LightHouse Arabia webinars throughout October (full list on the intranet / student portal).

Open to Students:

  • Mental Health First Aid Training for students | Friday Nov 5 & Sat Nov 6: 9:30am-2:30pm GST (Sign up here)
  • The Department of Student Success and Well-being will be engaging community members through student-led tabling, virtual activities, and more via their Instagram.

Open to Faculty and Staff:

  • Mental Health First Aid Training for faculty and staff | Wednesday Oct 27 & Thursday Oct 28: 9:30am-2:30pm GST (Sign up here)
  • ICAS Webinar: Growth after the Storm: Understanding the value of Post-Traumatic Growth | October 12, 9am GST (Joining Link) or 6:30pm GST (Joining Link)

Thank you for your support of all in our community, and for all you do to help NYUAD thrive.

Mariët, Arlie, and Kyle