Asst. Lect. Tuqa Sabbar Rahi, from the Faculty of Pharmacy, delivered a series of awareness-raising and interactive lectures addressing the challenges posed by depression.

The initiative reflects the University’s dedication to supporting the psychological well-being of its female students alongside their academic development, particularly in light of warnings issued by the World Health Organisation, which has identified depression as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

The awareness programme commenced with a lecture entitled “Depression: Risks, Causes, and Methods of Treatment”, delivered by Dr Ali Riyadh Al-Mousawi. During the lecture, he highlighted World Health Organisation statistics indicating that approximately 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. He also warned of its association with suicide and emphasised the importance of psychological awareness, community education, the role of mental health professionals, treatment adherence, and the promotion of public understanding of this growing phenomenon.

It is significant to point out that the programme was organised with the support of the Presidency of Al-Zahraa University for Women and under the supervision and follow-up of the academic staff member overseeing the initiative.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala'