As someone from the Yemeni community, I’ve seen how mental health struggles are often swept under the rug. In my community, talking about mental health is still considered taboo by many. There’s this deep-rooted belief that you’re supposed to stay strong and deal with things on your own. It’s painful to watch people suffer in silence, feeling like they can’t reach out for help because of the fear of being judged or misunderstood.

      That’s why I decided to get involved with the Arab American Mental Health Association (AAMHA). I want to be part of the change that breaks this silence and stigma. Through AAMHA, I hope to help bring more awareness to the mental health issues that affect our community, especially the Yemeni community, and show that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. I want to help create spaces where people feel safe to open up, to understand that they’re not alone in their struggles, and to provide resources that are culturally sensitive and relevant to our experiences.

      My goal is to help shift the conversation around mental health in our community—one that values emotional well-being just as much as physical health. I want to contribute to a future where it’s okay to ask for help, and where we can all support each other in our healing journeys.