The Qatar Social and Cultural Center for the Blind (QSCCB) organised an awareness seminar focusing on psychological resilience and effective coping strategies during times of crisis. The session was delivered by disability specialist, psychological consultant, and Advisor to the Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs (QSRSN), Dr. Tarek Al Aisawi.

The seminar addressed ways to manage stress arising from current regional situations and highlighted the importance of strengthening psychological well-being. Dr. Al Aisawi reviewed the scientific definition of traumatic events based on the American Psychiatric Association’s criteria, explaining that trauma is often linked to sudden events and serious threats to personal safety.

He emphasised that an individual’s interpretation of an incident plays a key role in determining its psychological impact, underscoring the need to avoid magnifying or misjudging situations. The session outlined practical approaches for dealing with stress, including reducing the risk of panic attacks and depression by maintaining daily routines, staying physically active, exercising regularly, and adopting healthy eating habits as protective factors for mental health.

The seminar also highlighted the importance of social support through maintaining close relationships with family and friends, avoiding social withdrawal, and seeking professional assistance or contacting national mental health support lines when symptoms persist.

In addition, Dr. Al Aisawi discussed advanced methods for addressing post-traumatic stress disorder, including imagined exposure techniques to overcome fear, real-life exposure therapy, and journaling as a means of emotional expression and psychological relief.