The Psychological Counseling Division at the University of Information Technology and Communications held an online seminar titled “Raising Awareness of the Risks of Suicide and Ways of Community Protection”, presented by Assistant Lecturer Mena Mahdi Abdullah from the Laser Institute for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad.

The seminar addressed the main factors that may lead some individuals to consider suicide, highlighting a range of social pressures such as family breakdown, domestic conflicts, and lack of family support, as well as economic pressures including unemployment, poverty, and illness. It also discussed certain social problems that occur directly or through social media, such as bullying and online extortion, along with associated humiliation and ridicule, which can cause significant psychological harm and may drive some individuals to commit suicide.

The seminar highlighted that social media can sometimes have a negative impact by promoting constant comparisons with others or showcasing unrealistic ideal lifestyles. This can create feelings of self-dissatisfaction in some individuals, leading to psychological stress and a sense of inadequacy.

The seminar also covered Iraqi laws that criminalize anyone who assists or incites suicide, emphasizing that psychological crises are not faced by the individual alone, but their effects can extend to the entire family, which may sometimes encounter harsh social judgment. The seminar concluded by stressing the importance of promoting a culture of empathy and understanding within the community, rather than blaming or passing negative judgments on others.