In a significant development for mental health advocacy, September 10 has been officially recognized as Lebanon's National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Day. This declaration was made during a ceremony at the Grand Serail, with the attendance of Health Minister Rakan Nasreddine, representing Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, along with the World Health Organization's representative and head of mission in Lebanon, Ahmed Zouiten, the founder and director of the ABAAD organization, Ghida Anani, and Embrace Association President Mia Atwi. The event also saw participation from various civil society organizations and partners.
This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment to enhancing Lebanon's mental health system while promoting awareness and prevention of suicide, as well as supporting individuals experiencing psychological crises.
The participants highlighted the importance of the national psychological support hotline 1564, which provides assistance and support to those in need of psychological help.