Mental Health AE

What happens when the news we consume starts affecting our mental health?

In this episode of the MHAE Podcast, I sit down with Hala Nasar, social media journalist at The National, to explore the complicated relationship between journalism, mental health, and the overwhelming amount of information we consume every day. In a world of breaking news, sensational headlines, misinformation, and endless doomscrolling, we discuss how the stories we read and share shape our emotions, influence our perceptions, and sometimes create unnecessary fear and anxiety.

We dive into the responsibilities journalists carry when reporting on sensitive issues, the importance of prioritizing accuracy over speed, and how to distinguish credible reporting from misinformation. We also explore the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism, from AI-generated fake images and videos to concerns about job displacement and the future of human creativity. Along the way, I share some personal experiences of navigating fear and uncertainty during regional tensions, and we discuss practical ways to stay informed without sacrificing our mental well-being.

Hala also shares her exciting journey as a recipient of the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism and her plans to dedicate the second season of her podcast, "How to Adult", to exploring the mental health challenges facing young adults in our region. From responsible journalism to digital literacy, emotional resilience, and the importance of trusted information, this conversation is a reminder that staying informed matters, but so does protecting our peace of mind.

PodcastersAli Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com

Hala Nasar | https://www.instagram.com/halaanasarr

MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠

MHAE Instagram | / mentalhealthae

Outline

00:00 - Introduction: Meet Hala Nasar

Ali welcomes journalist Hala Nasar to the podcast for a full-circle conversation about journalism, mental health, and her journey from editing the show to becoming a guest.

02:18 - The Mental Health Impact of Journalism

Hala explains how covering difficult global events can affect journalists personally, and how every news story carries a potential mental health dimension.

04:40 - Sensationalism and the Responsibility of News Media

Ali and Hala explore why negative stories dominate headlines and the ethical responsibility journalists have to inform audiences without amplifying fear.

08:49 - Fake News, Fact-Checking, and Journalistic Integrity

Why should accuracy always come before speed? Hala explains how journalists verify information, evaluate sources, and maintain public trust.

12:25 - Beyond the Headlines: Making News Meaningful

The conversation shifts to the importance of explaining what news actually means, the role of subject-matter experts, and making complex stories accessible through social media.

20:17 - Doomscrolling, News Fatigue, and Anxiety

Ali and Hala discuss how algorithms, conspiracy theories, and constant exposure to alarming content can intensify stress, anxiety, and fear.

24:06 - Protecting Your Mental Health During Uncertain Times

Ali shares practical strategies for limiting news consumption, choosing trusted information sources, and helping friends and family navigate uncertainty.

28:04 - Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Journalism

Can AI replace journalists and writers? Hala and Ali discuss job disruption, human creativity, AI-generated misinformation,

34:19 - When Fear Becomes More Powerful Than Facts

Through personal experiences during regional tensions, Ali and Hala examine how misinformation spreads panic and why verified information can help people make calmer decisions.

39:43 - Hala's Mental Health Journalism Fellowship and What's Next

Hala discusses receiving the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism and her plans for a mental health-focused season of How to Adult, exploring challenges facing young adults in the region.

What happens when the pace of modern life starts working against us? In this episode, I sit down with DHA-licensed clinical psychologist Sarah El Nabulsi to talk about stress, burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to constantly perform. We explore what it means to build a life that is more aligned with who you are, and why slowing down can sometimes be one of the most productive things you can do.

Sarah introduces us to Transcendental Meditation (TM) and explains how she incorporates meditation alongside her work as a clinical psychologist. We discuss the differences she sees between TM and other forms of meditation, why meditation does not have to mean forcing your mind to become quiet, and how developing greater mental stillness can influence the way we respond to pressure. I also share my own experience with yoga and meditation, including the unexpected lesson that changed the way I measure progress.

We also explore meditation in the context of ADHD, autism, trauma, family dynamics, and high-performance environments. Sarah explains why she sometimes works with an entire family rather than focusing solely on one child, discusses the work of the Transcendental Meditation Organization, and shares how mental health professionals can pursue further training. We close with a conversation about fear, stress, and giving ourselves permission to make decisions from a more balanced and grounded place.

Podcasters

Ali Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com

Sarah El Nabulsi | https://www.instagram.com/sarahelnabulsi

MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠

MHAE Instagram | / mentalhealthae

Outline00:00 Meet Sarah El Nabulsi: Clinical Psychology & Meditation

Sarah introduces her work as a DHA-licensed clinical psychologist and her role with the Transcendental Meditation Organization in the UAE.

03:01 Finding Work and a Life That Align With Who You Are

We discuss the pressure to follow a conventional path and why Sarah believes fulfillment comes from making choices that genuinely align with your nature and priorities.

05:23 How Meditation Can Change the Way You Navigate Life

Sarah shares how discovering meditation at university affected her performance, creativity, decision-making, and ability to stay grounded amid outside expectations.

07:31 My Personal Experience With Yoga, Meditation & Stress

I share how yoga and meditation unexpectedly became part of my routine, and the lesson that changed how I measure progress beyond flexibility or physical performance.

12:20 Meditation as a Tool for Performance and Mental Clarity

We explore why meditation has become part of the performance toolkit for executives and athletes, and how being physically alert while mentally calm can change how you operate under pressure.

17:47 Transcendental Meditation vs. Other Forms of Meditation

Sarah breaks down what she sees as the key differences between concentration, contemplation, and automatic self-transcending techniques, including why TM emphasizes effortlessness.

21:59 How to Get Started With Transcendental Meditation

What does learning TM actually involve? Sarah walks through the four-day learning process, the time commitment, and how the training is structured for people with busy schedules.

24:09 ADHD, Autism, Meditation & the Family Approach

We discuss meditation in the context of neurodivergence and why Sarah sometimes works with parents, children, and the wider family environment rather than focusing on one individual.

30:13 The Transcendental Meditation Organization & Its Work

Sarah explains the international scope of the TM organization, its educational initiatives, meditation communities, and her ambitions for larger projects in the Middle East.

34:03 Fear, Stress & Transforming Your Life

We close with Sarah's perspective on how much stress and negativity people learn to tolerate, why fear can keep us contained, and the importance of making major decisions from a balanced state.

In this episode of the MHAE Podcast, Ali Khawaja sits down with Angela Marson and Nadia Mankani of ADHD360AE for an insightful conversation about ADHD, education, parenting, and the systems we can build to better support neurodivergent children and adults. Drawing from Angela's background in education and psychology and Nadia's lived experience as a parent in an ADHD family, they explore why ADHD is far more complex than simply struggling with attention or being hyperactive.The conversation looks at the real-life impact of executive dysfunction, emotional regulation, rejection sensitivity, stigma, masking, and the accumulation of criticism that many people with ADHD experience from childhood onward. Angela and Nadia discuss why parents and educators need realistic expectations, why accommodations can sometimes carry their own stigma, and why supporting a child is not about "fixing" them. Instead, meaningful support comes from understanding how their brain works, developing executive-function skills, creating appropriate structures, and helping them build confidence and independence.The episode also gets highly practical. Ali, Angela, and Nadia share strategies that can work at home, in classrooms, universities, workplaces, and adult life, from gamification and visual calendars to breaking instructions into manageable steps, modeling emotional regulation, using visible timers, creating time buffers, and designing systems around the individual. Ultimately, the discussion makes the case that ADHD support does not always require dramatic interventions. Better education, thoughtful systems, small adjustments, and a more compassionate understanding of individual differences can have an enormous impact.

PodcastersAli Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com

Nadia Mankani & Angela Marson | https://www.instagram.com/adhd360.ae/

MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠

MHAE Instagram | / mentalhealthae

In this episode, Ali sits down with Alaa Eldakrouri, a legal counsel and holistic counselor whose own healing journey transformed the way she understands the connection between the mind, body, and emotions.Alaa shares her experience of unexplained physical health challenges, years of medical treatment, and the personal and professional collapse that eventually led her to therapy. Together, they explore how chronic stress and unresolved emotions can shape the way we experience our bodies, relationships, and ourselves.The conversation goes deeper into childhood trauma, the beliefs we carry into adulthood, the voice of the inner critic, and why simply becoming aware of our patterns is only the beginning. They also discuss self-compassion, creating safe spaces, seeking professional support, and the courage it can take to finally ask for help.At its heart, this episode is about learning to listen to yourself differently, moving beyond survival, and beginning the work of healing.If you've ever wondered why you keep repeating certain patterns, struggled to understand what your body is trying to tell you, or felt that asking for help was harder than continuing to struggle alone, this conversation is for you.

PodcastersAli Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com Alaa Eldakrouri | https://www.instagram.com/alaaeldakrouriMHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠ MHAE Instagram | / mentalhealthae

In this episode, Ali sits down with licensed psychologist, Amal Abdulcebbar, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, identity, and what it means to live a healthier, more intentional life. Together, they explore why anxiety and stress have become so common, how social media shapes our perception of success, and why younger generations are becoming more open to seeking professional support.

The discussion also dives into the powerful connection between mind and body, highlighting the role of sleep, nutrition, movement, and self-awareness in supporting mental wellbeing. Amal shares practical, evidence-based insights from her clinical practice, while Ali reflects on his experiences coaching executives and teaching university students. The episode concludes with simple, actionable advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed: slow down, think small, and take one meaningful step at a time toward the life you want.

Podcasters

Ali Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com

MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠

MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthaeOutline

Outline

00:00 - Welcome & Meet Amal AbdulcebbarAli introduces psychologist Amal Abdulcebbar and kicks off the conversation with her background and journey into psychology.

03:59 - Growing Up in Dubai & Finding Your IdentityAmal discusses cultural identity, belonging in a multicultural society, and the common mental health challenges she sees in young adults.

07:17 - Mental Health Stigma & Social Media PressureA conversation about the slow reduction of mental health stigma and how social media fuels comparison, anxiety, and unrealistic expectations.

10:33 - Redefining Success on Your Own TermsWhy understanding your own values matters more than following society's definition of success.

15:43 - Technology, Therapy & Seeking HelpHow younger generations are changing attitudes toward therapy, the role of digital tools, and why in-person connection still matters.

21:01 - Stress, Anxiety & The Psychology Behind ThemAmal explains common conditions she treats, including anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, and how stress can become a self-reinforcing cycle.

24:01 - Breaking Through Resistance to Mental Health SupportAli and Amal discuss vulnerability, the barriers that stop people from asking for help, and the importance of holistic care.

28:48 - The Mind-Body ConnectionAn in-depth discussion on sleep, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and how physical health directly influences mental wellbeing.

33:12 - Simple Daily Habits That Improve Mental HealthAli shares practical strategies around sleep, food, movement, and routines, while Amal emphasizes sustainable, personalized habits.

37:46 - When Life Feels Overwhelming, Think SmallAmal's practical advice on mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), focusing on your values, and taking one small step at a time before Ali closes the episode.

Mental health conversations are becoming more common, but finding the right support can still feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Neelam Laxman to discuss breaking the stigma around therapy, navigating the mental health landscape in the UAE, supporting children and teenagers through rising anxiety, and why finding the right therapist matters. We also explore ADHD assessments, the impact of social media, and practical ways families can build stronger emotional connections.

Podcasters:Ali Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.comDr. Neelam Laxhman | https://www.instagram.com/drneelamlaxhman⁠MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

Outline00:00 - Welcome & IntroductionMeet Dr. Neelam Laxman and why open conversations about mental health matter.03:40 - Mental Health Stigma & RepresentationWhy cultural understanding and representation are important in therapy.06:25 - Finding Mental Health Support in the UAEHow to navigate the different types of professionals and where to begin.11:30 - When Is It Time to Seek Help?Recognizing the signs that something feels "off" and taking the first step.13:08 - Choosing the Right TherapistWhy the right therapeutic fit matters and how to know when it's not working.17:40 - Why Anxiety Is Rising in Young PeopleSocial media, academic pressure, and the constant need to perform.19:20 - Advice for Parents & TeensBuilding open communication, spotting warning signs, and reducing pressure.24:55 - Helping Young People Manage StressFocusing on what you can control while making time for life outside of school.28:58 - Screen Time, Family Time & Healthy HabitsPractical ways families can reconnect beyond phones and social media.35:17 - What Can a Clinical Psychologist Help With?Anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, identity, grief, and more.36:22 - ADHD Assessments ExplainedWhy self-diagnosis isn't enough and what a professional assessment involves.

In this episode, Ali sits down with Rehana Meghani, a clinical and organizational psychologist, for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, stigma, generational trauma, parenting, and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing.

Ali and Rehana explore why many people, especially in certain cultural and family systems, delay seeking mental health support until they are in crisis. They discuss how stigma can show up not only in society, but inside families, relationships, workplaces, and even within ourselves. The conversation also looks at parenting, breaking unhealthy generational patterns, the risks of both harsh discipline and overprotective parenting, and how curiosity can help us understand our emotional responses, relationship patterns, and personal history. Rehana shares why therapy is not only for crisis, but can also be a proactive tool for self-discovery, grounding, and long-term emotional wellness.

Ali also reflects on his own experiences with teaching, parenting, yoga, breathing, gardening, and learning how small intentional practices can calm the mind and support mental health. This episode is a grounded, honest, and practical conversation about shifting the way we think about mental health, from something that means “something is wrong with me” to something we actively care for as part of being human.

Outline

0:00 - Ali welcomes listeners back, reflects on staying consistent with the podcast, and thanks Latifah for making the recording setup easier.

0:55 - Rehana Meghani introduces herself as a clinical and organizational psychologist, sharing her work with individuals, couples, and workplaces.

1:23 - Ali and Rehana begin with mental health stigma, discussing how judgment, fear, and family dynamics can stop people from opening up.

2:43 - Rehana explains how cultural background can affect when people seek therapy, especially in Asian communities where support is often delayed.

3:26 - Ali reflects on generational trauma, physical discipline, and how normalized behaviors from childhood can continue into adulthood if left unexamined.

7:31 - Rehana discusses two parenting extremes: repeating harmful patterns or overcorrecting through overly permissive parenting without boundaries.

13:42 - Rehana shares how families can reduce stigma by openly modeling mental health care, just as they would model physical health or fitness.

17:14 - The conversation turns to support outside the family, including therapy, peer support groups, podcasts, books, and other safe spaces for healing.

23:41 - Rehana explains why mental health care should not only happen during crisis, but can also be a proactive path toward curiosity and self-discovery.

30:20 - Rehana shares her areas of work, including trauma, complex trauma, EMDR, couples therapy, and recovery from emotionally abusive dynamics.

In this episode, Ali sits down with Sophie Smith, founder and CEO of NABTA Health, to explore one of the most overlooked areas in healthcare: women’s preventative health.

Sophie shares the story behind NABTA Health, the first women’s health tech company in the West Asia and Africa region, and explains why so many women are diagnosed late, dismissed by healthcare systems, or left without access to the care they need. The conversation moves through mental health, stigma, late-stage diagnosis, hormonal health, workplace wellbeing, preventative care, funding challenges, and the urgent need to normalize conversations around women’s bodies and health.

This episode is a powerful reminder that prevention, access, and open dialogue can save lives. It is also a call for families, employers, founders, investors, and communities to take women’s health seriously before symptoms become crises.

Podcasters:
Ali Khawaja⁠  | https://alikhawaja.com
Sophie Smith  | https://business.nabtahealth.com
⁠MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠
MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

In this episode, Ali Khawaja sits down with Alaa Hamade, an ICF-certified professional coach, educator, and entrepreneur, for a practical and honest conversation about what coaching really is and what it is not.

Together, they unpack the difference between coaching, therapy, mentoring, and consulting, while exploring why coaching is not about “fixing” people, but about helping them gain clarity, shift perspective, and uncover their own answers. Alaa shares how coaching changed the way he listens, teaches, leads, and communicates, while Ali reflects on his own journey into coaching and the powerful role of curiosity in meaningful conversations.

The episode also covers who coaching is for, how to know whether you need a coach, what to expect from the coaching process, how to choose a properly credentialed coach, and what it takes to become one. Whether you are curious about getting coached, becoming a coach, or simply learning how better conversations can create real transformation, this episode offers a clear and grounded introduction to the world of professional coaching

Podcasters:

Ali Khawaja⁠  | https://alikhawaja.com

Alaa Hamade  | http://alaahamade.com  ⁠

MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠MHAE

Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

In this episode, Ali Khawaja is joined by Manahil Ijaz, a marketing professional and community builder, to explore the power of authentic human connection, community spaces, and mental health awareness in modern urban life.Manahil shares her journey from graduating during COVID-19 into uncertainty, discovering Mental Health AE through Meetup, and finding a sense of belonging during one of the most challenging periods of her life. What began as attending wellness sessions evolved into contributing blogs, building communities, and eventually creating her own initiative.The conversation highlights the importance of safe, non-judgmental spaces where individuals can simply exist, share, or even just listen without pressure. Manahil discusses her work with initiatives like Dubai Circle, where the focus is on creating intentional, authentic environments for people - especially young professionals and expats - to connect, reflect, and feel seen.Ali and Manahil also reflect on the realities of life in fast-paced cities like Dubai, the emotional challenges of relocation and isolation, and the need to balance ambition with self-awareness. The discussion emphasizes that sometimes the most powerful form of support is simply being present with others.The episode also touches on Manahil’s involvement with community initiatives like Fame, which empowers people of determination through creative expression, reinforcing the theme of service, inclusion, and giving back.The episode closes with reflections on purpose, authenticity, and the importance of building communities that prioritize human connection over performance, reminding listeners that healing and growth often begin with simply showing up.

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#MentalHealthAE⁠ ⁠#CommunityHealing⁠ ⁠#AuthenticConnection⁠ ⁠#DubaiLife⁠ ⁠#Wellbeing⁠ ⁠#EmotionalSupport⁠ ⁠#SafeSpaces⁠ ⁠#PersonalGrowth⁠ ⁠#Mindfulness⁠

Podcasters:

Ali Khawaja⁠  | http://alikhawaja.com

⁠Manahil Ijaz⁠  | http://instagram.com/yourstoryquest  

⁠MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠

MHAE Instagram | ⁠  http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae