CONNECTOR.AE 38 CONNECTOR.AE 39 HEALTH AND WELLNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS family and friends, navigating a high-pressure work environment, and adjusting to a new culture, all at the same time”, says Dr. Hazar Zreik from German Neuroscience Centre. Feelings of isolation, anxiety and homesickness are common among expats. Visa dependencies, demanding work environments, and cultural adjustments can add additional layers of stress. While awareness around mental health is growing in the UAE, stigma can still deter individuals from seeking professional help. However, setting boundaries between work and personal time, as many working professionals have successfully done, can go a long way in maintaining balance. Signs Someone May Be Silently Struggling Often, those who are struggling with their mental health don’t show obvious signs. Dr. Shadan Khawaja from German Neuroscience Centre advises paying attention to social, emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physical cues. “A noticeable shift in social preferences such as withdrawal, cancelling plans, or isolating themselves from others could be a warning sign”, Dr. Shadan Khawaja from German Neuroscience Centre explains. Other signs include neglecting personal hygiene, living in cluttered spaces, missing deadlines, or important than ever. Through their insights, we discover practical advice, warning signs to look out for, and everyday strategies to support mental well-being in Dubai’s dynamic, fast-paced environment. Why Mental Health Should Be A Priority Dr. Shadan Khawaja, Psychologist and Behavioural Analyst at the German Neuroscience Centre, Prioritising Mental Health: Here’s What You Need To Know Every May, communities around the world come together to recognise Mental Health Awareness Month, a tradition that began in 1949 to shed light on the importance of mental and emotional well-being. This movement aims to fight stigma, provide support, and educate people about the importance of mental health in every stage of life. Over the decades, it has grown into a powerful call to action for individuals, families, and communities to prioritise mental wellness alongside physical health. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, Connector spoke with experts from the German Neuroscience Centre in Dubai to explore why conversations around mental health are more highlights how deeply connected our mental and physical health are. “Maintaining physical health is widely recognised as essential, and for good reason. Yet far less attention is given to how poor mental health, caused by chronic stress, depression, anxiety etc., can directly harm our physical well-being”, says Dr. Shadan Khawaja from German Neuroscience Centre. Poor mental health can weaken the immune system, impair cognitive function, and even contribute to cardiovascular and digestive problems, creating a vicious cycle where physical and emotional health deteriorate together. One of the biggest hurdles is the persistent misconception that needing therapy is a sign of weakness. “Misconceptions often prevent people from seeking help, as many see therapy as a weakness, or believe they’ll simply ‘snap out of it’, delaying support until symptoms have worsened. However, these inaccurate perceptions aren’t applied to physical conditions”, Dr. Shadan Khawaja fromGermanNeuroscienceCentreadds. Recognising the importance of mental health early on can prevent more serious conditions from developing, and improve quality of life significantly. For the UAE’s large expat population, mental health challenges can often be even more pronounced. Dr. Hazar Zreik, Clinical Psychologist at the German Neuroscience Centre, explains that living away from home brings its own set of emotional struggles. “Imagine being far from Far less attention is given to how poor mental health, caused by chronic stress, depression, anxiety etc., can directly harm our physical well-being”
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