On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Middle Eastern and North African Student Alliance (MENASA) held a meeting on mental health and the stigma associated with it in Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
Mental health issues have recently been rising in the Middle East and North Africa due to ongoing wars, instability and economic challenges. Insufficient help is available to people in those regions, and cultural factors contribute to the lack of support.
Students learned about the many factors that can impact mental health issues. One sociocultural factor involves the high academic or career success expectations set in many households, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Combined with ongoing political instability and limited mental health services, addressing mental health issues can be challenging.
MENASA provides resources for students who may be struggling. Students can contact Teen Line through its website, The Trevor Project by texting START to 678678 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Please inform a trusted adult if you or someone you know needs support.
