With the aim of promoting awareness of mental health and linking academic knowledge with practical application, the Faculty of Education at Homs University held a workshop entitled “Mental Health Between Awareness and Practice,” in cooperation with the Homs Mental Health Trauma Treatment Center – SAMS (Syrian American Medical Society), in celebration of World Mental Health Day, under the slogan “Together…
The University President, Prof. Tarek Houssam El-Deen, emphasized the vital role of the university in enhancing societal awareness of mental health, considering it a fundamental cornerstone for individual stability, social cohesion, and the capacity for productivity and innovation. He highlighted the necessity of integrating academic knowledge with field practice, translating theoretical concepts into practical solutions that meet the needs of individuals and society.
For his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Ziad Al-Khouli, pointed out the importance of translating mental health awareness into real-world practices that protect human beings, safeguard their dignity, and strengthen their capacity to face life’s challenges. He noted the growing significance of this aspect during the reconstruction phase, with its demands for psychological healing, the enhancement of social cohesion, and the creation of conditions that help individuals regain their roles and potential. Furthermore, he reaffirmed the role of universities and faculties of education in preparing teachers and educational counselors who are capable of understanding students’ needs, coping with psychological stress, and fostering adaptation and dialogue skills.
For his part, the Deputy Director of the Homs Health Directorate, Dr. Mohammad Al-Raees, emphasized that mental health is a fundamental right for every individual. He highlighted the Directorate’s efforts to expand access to mental health services and enhance societal awareness by training doctors under the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), deploying them across health centers, and securing available psychiatric medications to ensure the continuity of support and treatment. Furthermore, he pointed to the availability of specialized services for psychiatric patients, along with the establishment of three addiction treatment clinics under the title ‘Gates of Recovery.
For his part, Dr. Abdul Karim Abbas, representative of the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), explained that mental health is an integral part of human health and no less important than physical health. He noted that commemorating World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to translate awareness into practical action based on compassion and support. He explained that the organization works to enhance access to healthcare and respond to community needs through the Homs Mental Health Center, which offers psychosocial support, specialized psychological treatment and counseling, case management, and referrals to relevant authorities. The two-day workshop, held in the main auditorium of the Faculty of Education, included specialized scientific lectures covering the fundamentals of mental health, an introduction to SAMS and the Homs Mental Health Center, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, therapy session management skills, the challenges of treatment and integration, the onset of mental disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The event was attended by the University Secretary, Prof. Qasim Khader, several faculty members and researchers, representatives from community, humanitarian, and medical organizations and institutions, as well as a number of students and those interested in mental health.
