The University Psychological Counseling Unit at the College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, held an awareness workshop for undergraduate students as part of the strategic plan for university psychological counseling at the University of Baghdad. The workshop was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Azra Hussein Shawq and focused on achieving a set of fundamental goals for students
These included identifying patterns of stress in university life, breaking down the fear of talking about these pressures, and learning practical and effective tools for coping with them. The main message of the workshop emphasized that “mental health is an integral part of overall health,” calling for anxiety and exhaustion to be treated with the same seriousness as physical illnesses, while stressing that stress is normal, but how one responds to it determines the outcome
During the workshop, Dr. Azra presented the “three-light system for coping” as a practical tool for self-awareness and stress management. The green light (continue safely) is for building resilience and maintaining a healthy routine. The yellow light (caution) represents a warning stage that calls for pausing and making immediate adjustments, such as seeking socia support, with a warning not to ignore this signal. The red light (stop and seek help) represents an emergency situation that calls for immediate and confidential professional help from the University Counseling Center
This awareness workshop is directly in line with the university’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Promoting mental health awareness and providing tools for prevention and coping with stress contributes to building a university generation that is resilient and capable of making a positive and sustainable contribution (and effective academic output), thereby enhancing the ability of future cadres to face challenges in society. Good mental health among students is the foundation for a good education (The goal is to meet the challenges of work and contribute to comprehensive national development
