“Speak Up, Reach Out and Take Action”: UDSM Intensifies Mental Health Awareness and Student Support
By Renancy Remmy, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam has intensified efforts to promote mental wellness and emotional resilience among students and staff through a week-long Mental Health Awareness campaign aimed at encouraging open conversations, early support-seeking and healthy stress management practices within the university community.
Organized under the theme “Speak Up, Reach Out and Take Action,” the Mental Health Awareness Week is coordinated by the University’s Counselling Unit, currently led by Dr. Bernadetha Rushahu.
The initiative seeks to educate students and staff on the importance of mental health while equipping them with practical coping mechanisms to deal with academic, economic and social pressures that may affect their well-being.
The programme comes at a time when universities across the world are increasingly recognizing mental health as a critical component of academic success, productivity and personal development.
Speaking about this awareness week, the Director of Social Services at UDSM, Dr. Lulu Mahai, emphasized that promoting mental wellness remains essential in building a healthy, productive and resilient university community.
“Mental health is very important because it helps people remain well and capable of completing their responsibilities and achieving their goals in studies, at work and in personal life. As our university community continues to grow, we cannot ignore the mental health challenges that may also emerge,” said Dr. Mahai.
She noted that the University continues to invest in counselling services, awareness programmes and stress management education to ensure students and staff receive the support they need to navigate emotional and psychological challenges.
According to Dr. Mahai, the awareness week is primarily organized to strengthen understanding of mental health issues, encourage individuals to seek professional support early and promote healthy coping strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety and emotional difficulties.
“The purpose of this initiative is to educate our community and create awareness that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. We want students and staff to understand that support is available, and that mental wellness is an important part of personal and academic success,” she explained.
She further stated that the initiative aligns with both national development aspirations under Tanzania Development Vision (DIRA 2050) and the University’s broader commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that prioritizes well-being and human development.
Dr. Mahai also highlighted the progress made by the University since the establishment of the Counselling Unit several years ago, noting that the unit has continued to expand professional guidance and psychosocial support services across the campus community.
12 Professional Counsellors
Currently, the unit has 12 professional counsellors providing counselling, emotional support and mental health guidance to students and staff facing various personal, academic and social challenges.
The theme “Speak Up, Reach Out and Take Action” encourages members of the university community to openly discuss mental health concerns, seek support from counsellors and trusted individuals, and take proactive steps toward improving their mental well-being.
The campaign also promotes a culture of openness, inclusion and collective support by challenging stigma and encouraging individuals not to suffer in silence.
University officials have encouraged students and staff to actively participate in the awareness activities and utilize available counselling services whenever they experience emotional stress, anxiety or mental health difficulties.
Through the initiative, the University of Dar es Salaam continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment that values mental wellness, promotes healthy living and empowers students and staff to cope positively with the demands of academic and professional life.