Mental Health AE

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.PodcastersAli Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com Sarah El Nabulsi | https://www.instagram.com/sarahelnabulsiMHAE 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 AreWe 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 LifeSarah 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 & StressI 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 ClarityWe 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 MeditationSarah 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 MeditationWhat 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 ApproachWe 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 WorkSarah 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 LifeWe 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. PodcastersAli Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.com MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠ MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthaeOutlineOutline00:00 - 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/mentalhealthaeOutline00:00 - 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.