We hide sadness… just as we hide scars.
We feel ashamed of anxiety… just as we feel ashamed of weakness.
And when the body gets sick, we rush to the doctor,
but when the soul is hurting… we fear admitting it.

This is psychological stigma,
one of the deepest challenges in our Arab societies.

Why are we ashamed of psychological pain?

• Old beliefs

Emotional pain was considered “weakness,”
even though true strength lies in facing ourselves, not running away.

• Fear of being judged

“If they knew… they would think badly of me.”

• Lack of awareness

Not understanding the difference between normal stress and a mental disorder.

• Mixing religion with illness

Some mistakenly believe that seeking psychological help means weak faith.

The impact of stigma on individuals

• Delayed help-seeking

• Worsening symptoms

• Social isolation

• Lower self-esteem

• Increased anxiety and depression rates

How can we change this mindset?

1) Education

Knowledge dispels fear.

2) Sharing experiences

When people talk about their struggles… stigma breaks.

3) Separating religion from illness

Faith strengthens… and treatment helps.
There is no contradiction between them.

4) Normalizing the conversation

Treating mental health professionals like any other doctor.

Rafah… and breaking the stigma

At Rafah, we strive to present a professional Arab model for psychological care based on:

• Privacy

• Safety

• Professionalism

• Simplifying psychological concepts without overcomplication

We aim for conversations about mental health
to become as normal as talking about a cold or a headache—
natural, simple, without fear or shame.

In conclusion

If your soul is hurting… it means you are human.
And every human deserves support, not judgment.
When we break the stigma, we open the door to healing…
and to a more conscious, peaceful life.