For any student who finds themselves struggling to cope with the demands of life at university, Dr. Aisha Hamid Al-Yafei has a simple message: “Don’t hesitate to ask for support – you are not alone.”

She speaks both from experience and from the heart, as a psychological and health consultant in the Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life at Qatar Foundation (QF), which students from QF universities can – and do – turn to when their mental wellbeing is affected by anything from the pressures of study to personal concerns. It is where they find an open ear, a safe space, and a roadmap to a more positive frame of mind.

And what Dr. Al-Yafei wants those who approach her and her colleagues for support to remember is: “Mental health is the foundation of your academic and personal life – we all may go through moments of anxiety, stress, or feeling lost, but there is always someone ready to listen, to guide, and to help you overcome difficulties.

“Asking for help is a courageous act that reflects your self-awareness and desire to improve. It does not mean weakness – it indicates your strength in recognizing what you need and working to achieve balance in your life. Care for yourself as well as your academic success, make time for self-care, connect with others, and don’t be shy in talking about your feelings – you deserve to be healthy in all ways, and asking for support is an important step toward that.”

This message is carried to students from Qatar, the region, and throughout the world who study at QF universities. And with the rapid changes the world is witnessing, and the pressures on young people to succeed, it is as important as it has ever been.

“The Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life provides individual sessions to support mental health, in a safe and confidential environment where students can discuss personal challenges and develop strategies to improve their mental health, increase self-awareness, and enhance their psychological well-being,” explains Dr. Al-Yafei.

“We offer workshops and training programs on stress management, self-awareness, and life skills development, and work to spread awareness and cooperate with others within and beyond QF, including counselors at QF universities and specialists within Education City, and entities such as the Ministry of Public Health. The recommendations we make are taken into account in QF’s education policies, as we use evidence-based practices to ensure students’ mental health is fully supported.”

Even with such support, which takes into account individual needs and cultural considerations, Dr. Al-Yafei says challenges such as social stigma, time constraints, and reluctance to accept the need to seek help can prevent many students from reaching out. But she assures them that when they do, everything is confidential, with no information shared without their consent except in the case of an emergency. 

Since she joined the office in August 2024, 10 students have come forward for support, with 22 follow-up sessions provided. Among them is Zeina, whose name has been changed to respect the office’s privacy policy, and who says: “I learned about the mental health services at QF through their strong commitment to student wellbeing.

“What truly stands out is their proactive approach; if they hear that a student is struggling, they make it a priority to reach out and offer support. This level of care and attentiveness creates an environment where seeking help feels accessible and encouraged.”

Since contacting the office, Zeina has seen “significant positive changes” in her life. One of the biggest milestones for me was starting my first-ever part-time job – a huge step that I’m incredibly proud of,” she says.

“Beyond that, I’ve been more socially engaged: going out with friends more often, interacting with diverse communities, and actively participating in school and dorm activities. And I’ve also become more confident in managing my emotions and redirecting negative thoughts in healthy ways.”

Speaking about the most common challenges students who contact the office for support are experiencing, Dr. Al-Yafei says: “The most prominent are academic pressures, such as anxiety about academic performance, exams, pressures to achieve excellence, and adapting to university life, especially for new students who face difficulty adapting to a new environment, a different culture, and various academic requirements.

“Family issues may also affect the students’ mental health, such as family pressures or family separation, in addition to social challenges such as a difficulty in making new friends or feeling isolated, and dealing with a family member’s health problems. These factors may overlap with each other, which makes it vital to provide comprehensive support to students to help them overcome these challenges in a healthy way.”

What has been the impact of this support been on the lives of the students who have sought it? As Dr. Al-Yafei explains: “Many of the students who received support from us have been able to improve their social skills, overcome academic stress, and increase their self-confidence.

“One example is a student who had difficulty socializing and making friends, and spent most of her time alone without going out much. She decided to visit the office to seek support, and we began by identifying the challenges she faces, talked about her concerns, then developed a plan and gradual steps to help her feel more comfortable in social settings.”

Over time, and through continuous follow-up, the student gradually began to implement some of the strategies that she discussed with the office’s specialists in the office, such as joining university activities and interacting with others.  “One time,” says Dr. Al-Yafei, “I was outside and noticed this student sitting in a study group near her residence, which was a clear, positive transformation. Shortly after, she came to the office excited to share her experience.

“She told me that she was gradually getting out and meeting new students, and starting to make new friends outside of her comfort zone. This was a big step for her, and showed how the right guidance and strategies can help students overcome social challenges and build positive relationships.”

Just as she helps students, Dr. Al-Yafei herself feels she benefits from her work in supporting young learners at QF to navigate life’s mental hurdles. “It’s such a rich experience for me,” she says. 

“I have the opportunity to support students on their academic and personal journey, and help them overcome psychological and social challenges that may affect their lives. Every student comes with a different story, and this makes my work not only a professional responsibility, but also a profound human experience that drives me to continue developing my skills and the way I can help those who need it. QF students can book a session at the Office of Wellness and Spiritual Life by emailing aalyazeedi@qf.org.qa, visiting the office in Multaqa (Education City Student Center), or by calling 44542407 or 77037037.