The “Psychology Days II” event, held at Near East University, addressed anxiety, stress, and burnout caused by modern life within a scientific framework, bringing together academics and students to discuss current approaches to mental well-being.
The increasing experiences of anxiety, stress, and burnout among individuals trying to keep up with the pace of modern life were examined from a multifaceted perspective at Near East University. The “Psychology Days II” event, carried out by the Near East University Student Dean’s Office and the Psychology Club, was held with high participation. The event, titled “The Age of Tired Minds – Combating Anxiety, Stress, and Burnout in the Modern World,” brought together academics and students on the same platform, highlighting current and applicable approaches to mental well-being.

The event, which addressed psychological resilience, stress management, and emotional renewal across a wide age range from adolescence to adulthood within a scientific framework, addressed the following topics: “Coping Mechanisms and Psychological Resilience in Adolescents”, “Coping with Stress and Psychological Flexibility in Adults” and “Burnout and Emotional Renewal in Adults.”

Opening speeches were delivered by the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ; the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul; and the President of the Psychology Club of Near East University, Amine Nur Buruncuk.

Scientific approaches to combating anxiety, stress, and burnout!
During the event, faculty members from the Psychology Department of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Near East University shared information, strategies, and approaches supporting the mental development of individuals, particularly focusing on psychological resilience and emotional renewal. In the first part of the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ezgi Ulu addressed the fundamental sources of anxiety and stress in adolescents, focusing on methods for effectively coping with these emotions. Following this, Assist. Prof. Dr. Bade Yaya, speaking on the relationship between the search for meaning in adolescence and psychological resilience, drew attention to the elements that nourish an individual’s inner strength. In the sessions for adults, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meryem Karaaziz emphasized the importance of psychological flexibility in the face of the pressures of modern life and shared functional coping strategies in combating stress. Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Buran and Assist. Prof. Dr. Bingül Subaşı Harmancı addressed the phenomenon of burnout in adults, presenting the healing effects of emotional renewal on individual and professional life to the participants.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “As Near East University, we see supporting the mental health of our university community not only as a service area but also as an institutional responsibility.”
The Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “This symposium is a strong example of our university’s human-centered educational approach. These kinds of scientific events organized by our student clubs not only encourage academic production but also create social awareness. Thus, we see student-centered academic activities as a strategic area of development.”

Stating that universities are not just institutions that transfer knowledge, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As Near East University, we see supporting the mental health of our university community as an institutional responsibility. This event we are holding here today is a reflection of this approach, which focuses on the mental well-being of our students and staff.”

Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul: “Continuing on our path by drawing strength from our experiences is critically important for our individual and social development.”
Stating that the intense pace of modern life can sometimes make one feel tired and exhausted, Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, said, “Coping with anxiety and stress in the process from adolescence to adulthood can become a serious test for many of us.”

Drawing attention to the fact that each new year is a new page, Prof. Dr. Ali Efdal Özkul said, “Let’s not forget that every new year is a future built upon the past. Moving forward, drawing strength from our experiences, and not dwelling on the past is critically important for our individual and societal development. I hope this event, where we address mental well-being and resilience, will be inspiring and guiding for all of us.”

Amine Nur Buruncuk “We aim to transform psychology from a course subject into a student culture that encourages thinking, discussion, and creation.”
Amine Nur Buruncuk, President of the Near East University Psychology Club, began her speech by addressing the club’s aims and objectives. “Our vision as the Psychology Club is to transform psychology from being merely a course subject on campus into a student culture that encourages thinking, discussion, and creation. Our aim is to create a sustainable club structure that combines academic knowledge with social responsibility, supporting students’ professional and personal development.”

She noted that the club has organized numerous events throughout the year, adding, “In addition to all this, we have established five active collaborations with different student clubs, and today we have become a highly engaged community with approximately 500 members. The theme we will be discussing today, ‘The Age of Tired Minds,’ is an important topic that touches upon the spirit of the times and reminds us of psychology’s social responsibility.” Amine Nur Buruncuk, also said, “I believe that this event will also provide valuable outcomes for us, both academically and in terms of raising awareness.”