SDG - 3
Daffodil International University (DIU) recognizes that mental wellbeing is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of academic and professional excellence. The university has established a comprehensive ecosystem of support that ensures both students and staff have immediate, confidential, and professional access to mental health services. By fostering an environment where human nature is viewed as inherently good and creative, DIU provides a respectable and trustable space for individuals to overcome life’s challenges. Whether dealing with academic stress, workplace burnout, or personal transitions, the university’s dedicated psychological infrastructure is designed to transform anxiety and depression into self-independence and confidence.
About DIU Psychological Center
The DIU Psychological Service Unit, under the Office of the Students’ Affairs (OSA), serves as the primary hub for mental health interventions. The center operates on the principle that while family and friends offer support, professional therapists are essential for revealing deep insights and making scientific, positive changes. The center provides a wide array of services:
Individual Counseling: A safe, one-on-one environment for self-exploration without fear of judgment.
Group Psychotherapy: Supportive spaces (4-8 individuals) to share experiences and develop collective coping strategies.
Pair and Family Counseling: Focused on improving interaction patterns and resolving relationship or domestic conflicts.
Specialized Resources: Digital courses on Anger Management, Overcoming Procrastination, and Compassionate Communication are available to provide self-paced psychological growth.
Meet the Psychologist
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Bilkis Khanam |
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Mahumuda Islam Mim Psychologist |
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Farzana Khatun Psychologist |
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Role of HR for Mental Health of Staff
Daffodil International University understands that faculty and professional staff face unique stressors. The Human Resource Development Institute (HRDI) integrates mental health into its core professional development framework. Through the "Monthly Teacher Training Program" and dedicated "Stress Awareness" initiatives, HR ensures that staff are not only trained to support students but are also equipped with the tools to maintain their own personal resilience and workplace well-being.
Teachers as Psychologists: Faculty Wellbeing and Student Support
As part of a year-long faculty development program, HRDI conducted a specialized training session titled "Teachers as Psychologists." Facilitated by the university’s lead psychologists, the session focused on dual objectives: establishing robust psychological support systems for students and implementing effective strategies for maintaining the personal mental wellbeing of faculty members. This initiative ensures that teachers are mentally resilient and capable of fostering a supportive classroom environment while managing their professional responsibilities.
Stress Management for Employees: Stress Awareness Month 2025
In observance of Stress Awareness Month 2025, the university organized a high-level training session on "Stress Management and Mental Wellbeing" specifically for employees. Expertly facilitated by a Consultant Clinical Psychologist from the Bangladesh Clinical Psychology Society, the session provided administrative and professional staff with invaluable insights into handling workplace stress and promoting mental resilience. The event, attended by the Group CEO, highlighted the university’s top-down commitment to staff mental health.
Mindful Resilience for Success: Student and Staff Collaboration
Organized by the Office of Students’ Affairs (OSA) in collaboration with JCI and Moshal Mental Health, the "Mindful Resilience for Success" workshop brought together a massive audience at the International Conference Hall. Featuring psychiatrists and meditation experts, the session guided participants through stress management techniques, emotional balance, and mindful living. This large-scale event provided both students and attending staff with practical tools for building confidence, clarity, and inner calm in a high-pressure academic environment.
Moving from Impulse to Insight: Departmental Mental Health Outreach
DIU facilitates mental health access at the departmental level through interactive sessions like "Moving from Impulse to Insight." Recently held for the Department of Pharmacy, this session helped students and faculty understand emotional reactivity and cognitive restructuring. By shifting from impulsive reactions to thoughtful responses, participants learned the science of self-care and balanced decision-making, emphasizing that mental health is a priority across all academic disciplines.
Digital Detox and Anxiety Management: Group Psychotherapy Sessions
The Psychological Service Team regularly conducts specialized group psychotherapy sessions to address modern challenges. The "Digital Detox" session focused on creating a healthier relationship with technology and mindful screen usage, while the "Breaking Free from Anxiety" session provided a supportive group environment for participants to identify triggers and learn coping strategies. These sessions ensure that help is accessible in various formats, catering to those who find strength in shared experiences and professional guidance.
Women’s Well-Being & Wise Boundaries: Hall Resident Support
Recognizing the unique needs of female students living on campus, the Psychological Service Unit organized the "Women’s Well-Being & Wise Boundaries" workshop for residents of DIU Halls. Facilitated by university psychologists, these sessions focused on enhancing emotional well-being, developing healthy boundaries, and strengthening self-respect. This initiative ensures that mental health support reaches students directly in their living environments, fostering a safe and empowering residential community.
Building Resilience for Mental Wellbeing: Club Leader Initiative
As part of the Club Development Initiative, the Psychologist Team facilitated a session titled "Building Resilience for Mental Wellbeing." Club leaders explored practical skills to strengthen emotional resilience, ensuring they can lead effectively while supporting the mental health of their respective student organizations. This specialized training empowers student leaders to be the first line of support for their peers.
The Science of Happiness: Evidence-Based Wellbeing
In observance of World Mental Health Day 2025, the workshop “The Science of Happiness” explored the neuroscience behind joy and practical ways to cultivate lasting well-being. Participants engaged in discussions, self-reflection, and group activities to apply science-backed happiness practices to their daily lives, nurturing a more fulfilling academic journey.
Responding with Care: Addressing Mental Health in Times of Crisis
DIU hosted a high-level seminar featuring distinguished guests from the University of Dhaka and Jagannath University to discuss "Addressing Mental Health Needs in Times of Crisis." The seminar provided faculty and students with the necessary knowledge to offer compassionate and accessible support during emergencies, reinforcing the university's role as a resilient and empathetic institution.
Self-Compassion and Emotional Healing Workshops
To address personal struggles, the Psychological Service Unit organized workshops on "Cultivating Self-Kindness" and "Emotional Healing after a Relationship Loss." These sessions helped participants reduce self-criticism, understand emotional responses to loss, and build resilience through mindfulness and reflective practices.
Vibrant Mental Health Awareness Fair
Every year, DIU celebrates World Mental Health Day with a vibrant Awareness Fair inaugurated by the Vice Chancellor. Activities include the Emotion Wheel, Art Therapy, Games, and Mental Health Screening. These events provide a fun, low-pressure way for students and staff to engage with self-care and destigmatize mental health support across campus.
Daffodil International University remains steadfast in its commitment to providing accessible, professional, and confidential mental health support. By integrating psychological services into both the student experience and the professional lives of staff, the university ensures a holistic approach to wellness. Through individual therapy, group workshops, HR-led resilience training, and digital resources, DIU provides every member of its community with the opportunity to move forward, overcome challenges, and flourish in a supportive and compassionate environment.