LocationsReal voices, shared experiences and a World Mental Health Day bike ride through Damascus
Well-being Is Something We Do Together
October 12, 2026
©UNDP Syria
On Saturday, 10 October, World Mental Health Day, we stepped away from screens, deadlines and routines and got on our bicycles. Colleagues, friends and family set out through the streets of Damascus, not to race, but simply to move, breathe, talk and reconnect. Three years ago, many of us cycled together for the Sustainable Development Goals. This time, we returned to two wheels with a different focus: mental health and well-being.
After nearly 15 years of conflict, conversations about mental health are particularly important in Syria, yet stigma can still make them difficult. According to the World Health Organization, around one in five people who have experienced war or conflict live with a mental health condition, while nearly one in ten experience moderate or severe conditions. That made it all the more meaningful for us to be out on the streets of Damascus, riding together and speaking openly about mental health.
These figures are a reminder that mental health and well-being are not peripheral to recovery. They are part of how individuals and communities regain strength, reconnect and move forward.
So rather than trying to define what well-being should look like, we asked our colleagues a few simple questions: Why did you join? What did it feel like to get back on a bicycle? What helps you switch off? What made you smile? And what would you say about looking after your mental well-being?
Their answers were as varied as the people taking part.
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. Sometimes, there is nothing better than getting outside, being active with others and feeling that you are part of a community, not alone.” Melanie Hauenstein, Resident Representative
“I wanted to connect with colleagues outside the office, especially people from different teams. I usually love sleeping in on weekends, but I am glad I woke up early and joined the ride.” Maher Melhem, Administration Team
“This morning was full of sunshine, smiles and a few almost-crashes that made me laugh. It was a fun way to start the day.” Andreas Nord, Partnerships Team
“It reminded me of being a child, riding through the streets freely and without a worry. I remember how happy I felt, and thinking about that made me smile.” Jelena Raketic, Deputy Resident Representative – Operations
“The last time I rode a bike was 25 years ago. I was scared at first, but when I felt the air against my face, it was as if I had taken off and started to soar. I felt I had broken free from so many worries. I felt free.” Hiba Diab, Procurement Team
“It had been 15 years since I last rode a bike. It took me straight back to my childhood, riding through the neighbourhood and playing with my friends.” Khaled Almasri, Climate Change Mitigation Team
“I had not ridden a bicycle in 20 years, and I was so happy to ride one again today, especially here on the streets of Damascus. It was also a refreshing break from the usual routine.” Muhammad Sawah, Driver
“The last time I rode a bicycle, I was seven years old. I remember falling and getting back up many times before I finally learned. Today, I surprised myself. I did not fall once, and I was really proud of that.” Dana Abdulsalam, Administration team
“I had forgotten how much fun riding a bicycle can be. I had not ridden one in 20 years. After today I would really like to make cycling part of my routine, even once a week. For me, exercise makes a real difference to my mental well-being.” Ammar Al Sabbagh, Security Team
“I had not ridden a bicycle in 20 years. Today I feel energetic and happy. I would encourage everyone to make time for their mental well-being, move, exercise and take care of themselves. Mental and physical health are closely connected.” Yasser Drei, Operations Team
“I do not ride a bicycle very often, but I enjoy the rush and energy it gives me. For me, physical activity and mental well-being are closely connected. Whenever I exercise regularly, I notice a real improvement in my mental state.” Ibtisam Kailany, Southern Area, Social Cohesion Team
“Damascus is beautiful. Riding through the city made me feel as if I were seeing it in a different way. What made me smile most was seeing people wave and smile back. I encourage my colleagues to step away from their screens and make time for their health and families.” Wiam Salman, Local Peacebuilding and Community Resilience Team
“What made me smile most was seeing the excitement and curiosity in people’s eyes as we rode by, especially the children. Stepping away from my usual routine and joining the ride gave me a real boost. I feel re-energized and inspired.” Tahseen Saor, Communications Team
“It was a great opportunity to spend time with colleagues and get to know them as people beyond the workplace. I really enjoyed taking part, especially the reactions from people along the way. It was a good reminder to step away, recharge and make time for life outside work.” Walid Okla, Procurement Team
“You have to take care of yourself. People can support you, but you still have to do that work for yourself. It can be hard to put yourself first, but you have to recognize your own worth. Only then can you truly offer compassion and support to others.” Rhitu Siddharth, Partnerships Team
“It is okay not to be okay. You are not alone in this journey. Reach out to your community, connect with others, and take one small step forward.” Amer Al Kahwaji, Private Sector & MSMEs Project Team
Judging by the answers we heard that morning, talking openly about mental health may not be the only thing we do too rarely: quite a few of us had not been on a bicycle in 15, 20 or even 25 years. Yet once we got going, both the riding and the conversation came surprisingly naturally.
Perhaps that was the most important part of the morning. There was no single definition of well-being and no single reason for joining the ride. For some, it was movement or freedom; for others, childhood memories, connection or simply stepping away from routine. Well-being is deeply personal, but it does not have to be pursued alone. That morning, moving through Damascus together, it felt like something we could create for one another too.
