The Student Counselling Unit at the Deanship of Student Affairs at Arabian Gulf University (AGU) launched an art event titled "Brushing Away Stress" to mark World Mental Health Day. Held at the university square, the event combined art and psychological support in an interactive experience aimed at enabling students, faculty, and administrative staff to express their feelings through drawing, creating a positively received and engaging atmosphere.

Dr Aseel Al Saleh, Dean of Student Affairs, stated, "Promoting mental health is no longer limited to traditional therapy. Art, and specifically drawing, has become a cornerstone of the journey toward psychological recovery and internal balance, especially with increasing daily pressures and mental challenges. In this context, drawing emerges as an effective tool for relieving stress and improving mood."

Masooma Al A'ali, Student Counsellor at the Deanship of Student Affairs, pointed out that psychological research indicates the importance of engaging in artistic activities like drawing and colouring as an effective way to alleviate psychological stress. "Studies show that these activities help clear the mind and enhance non-verbal emotional expression, which aids in reducing levels of anxiety and depression," she said.

She added that the event, which featured artist and calligrapher Ali Al Bazzaz, provided a space for participants to practice drawing without needing prior experience or artistic skills. Instead, it focused on providing a safe practice for self-expression and internal communication through personal feeling and experience. This approach opens a path to a deeper understanding of emotions and thoughts that are sometimes difficult to express in words.