The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya, Eastern Region, has marked the 2026 World Mental Health Day with a seminar organised by its Counselling Unit to raise awareness about mental health, promote self-care, and encourage open conversations about mental well-being within the University community.
The seminar, held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building, brought together members of the University community under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on 10th October to raise awareness of mental health issues, address stigma and mobilise support for mental health care.
In her opening remarks, the Head of the Counselling Unit, Ms Rosalita Ptience Davies, Esq., highlighted the significance of the observance and stressed the need for individuals and institutions to prioritise mental health. She underscored the importance of creating an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges and seeking the support they need.
The seminar featured presentations by officials of the Counselling Unit on understanding mental health, recognising warning signs, practising self-care and building supportive communities. It also provided an opportunity for members of the University community to share personal experiences and reflect on the importance of emotional and psychological well-being.
The first presentation, delivered by Mr. Emmanuel Ayew-Sampson, an Assistant Registrar at the Counselling Unit, was on the topic, “Understanding Mental Health, Recognising the Signs, and Building Supportive Communities.” He examined the distinction between mental health and mental illness, signs of poor mental health, and common misconceptions surrounding mental health challenges.
He emphasised that mental health goes beyond the absence of mental illness and that experiencing mental health challenges should not be perceived as a sign of weakness. He explained that mental health can fluctuate over time, influenced by personal, social and environmental factors, making it important for individuals to remain attentive to their emotional and psychological well-being.
He further highlighted the collective responsibility of families, friends, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, community leaders and healthcare professionals in promoting mental well-being. He called for supportive environments where individuals can discuss their challenges without fear of judgement and are encouraged to seek professional assistance when necessary.
The second presentation, by Ms Alimatu-Sadia Zakaria, an Assistant Registrar also at the Counselling Unit, focused on self-care and practical strategies for maintaining good mental health, particularly when dealing with stress and other life challenges.
She encouraged participants to identify their personal stress triggers, adopt healthy coping mechanisms, and seek professional support when necessary. She also urged them to make self-care an integral part of their daily routines, noting its importance in maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
The highlight of the seminar was the “Lived Experiences” session, which featured personal reflections from members of the University community, including the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, and the Registrar, Mrs Mary Abena Agyepong.
Sharing experiences from different stages of their lives, they offered insights into navigating personal and professional challenges, emphasising resilience, emotional well-being and the importance of seeking support during difficult times.
The session reinforced the message that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of position or status, and highlighted the need for a University environment where individuals can speak openly about their experiences without fear of stigma or discrimination.
Through the seminar, the Counselling Unit reaffirmed the importance of mental health awareness and the need for a supportive University community where the well-being of every member is recognised and prioritised.