As Lebanon has faced several consecutive, continuous crises for the past seven years, mental health has emerged as a critical issue in the nation. Indeed, the population has been severely affected, from the economic collapse that began in 2018 and the inability to withdraw bank savings to the horror of the Beirut port explosion — oneof the worst non-nuclear explosions in history per Human Rights Watch — the global COVID-19 pandemic, earthquakes, and now the war. During such hard times, the Mental Health Club at Saint Joseph University (USJ) has emerged to support and spread awareness.

Since its establishment on March 19, 2019, the Mental Health Club has focused on raising awareness and reducing stigmas around mental health. Through events such as their annual booth on World Mental Health Day (October 10th), the club discusses critical issues relevant to today’s challenges. Topics such as anger and frustration — as many Lebanese suffer with the daily stress of instability and feelings of helplessness — are tackled. The club offers hope and resilience-building tools, together with helpful guidance on how to deal with these feelings.

Another focus is on sleep disturbances caused by the noises of missiles and devastation. The club educates people on the value of sleep in preserving mental health by sharing information and resources. It also shares tips about how to manage PTSD, survival guilt, and the overwhelming sense of unproductivity that many experience in times of war. 

Additionally, through its Instagram page, the Mental Health team spreads essential messages, reminding students that your mental health is also your health. Informative posts and reels, often featuring psychiatrists, psychologists, and mindfulness teachers, in collaboration with Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF), the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Psychology, provide accessible and reliable advice. These partnerships expand the desired impact, ensuring that professional guidance reaches all those in need.

In these unprecedented times, the Mental Health crew is a source of hope and support. Its efforts remind us of all of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, especially through crisis. Through its resilience and encouraging dialogue, the club continues to build a stronger, more empathetic community prepared to face Lebanon’s challenges together.