College of Life Sciences Hosts Event “Mental Health: A Global Priority” on World Mental Health Day

By: Muneera Al-Shammari

Under the patronage and presence of the Acting Dean of the College of Life Sciences, Prof. Ahmed Rashid Al-Lafi, the College of Life Sciences hosted a panel discussion organized by the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in celebration of World Mental Health Day, titled “Mental Health: A Global Priority.”
The event took place at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the college lobby, attended by the Administrative Director of the College, Mr. Saleh Al-Musallam, along with several college leaders and students.

The panel discussion was presented by Dr. Latifa Abu Shaiba, a psychological therapist at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. At the beginning, she emphasized that the goal of such events is to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and its role in building a balanced and healthy personality. She discussed the concept of mental health as a state of psychological and social balance that enables individuals to utilize their potential and cope with life’s pressures. She stressed that mental health is not merely the absence of illness, but also involves sound thinking and balanced behavior.

Dr. Abu Shaiba also presented global statistics and studies, pointing out that half of the world’s population may experience at least one mental disorder during their lifetime, and that one in seven adolescents suffers from psychological disorders, while over 20% of adults in the United States experience similar conditions annually. She highlighted that half of these individuals do not receive proper treatment, leading to global economic losses exceeding one trillion dollars per year.

In light of these findings, Dr. Abu Shaiba addressed common misconceptions about mental illnesses — such as the belief that psychiatric medications cause addiction or that psychotherapy is ineffective. She explained that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is among the most effective treatments for anxiety and depression.
Additionally, she elaborated on the role of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in regulating mood, sleep, and motivation, emphasizing that chemical balance in the brain directly reflects on an individual’s mental well-being and happiness.