Middle Eastern & North African mental health

Common terms

• AMEMSA: Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim and South Asian, a term used in some research
• Arab American: people with roots in Arabic-speaking countries
• MENA: Middle Eastern and North African
• SWANA: South West Asian and North African, a term some people prefer

Many people name their own heritage first, such as Amazigh, Armenian, Chaldean, Egyptian or Iranian. Some prefer “Persian” or “Iranian”, and not everyone in the region is Arab.

Faith plays a central role in wellbeing for many Muslim and Christian Arab communities. The region is also home to Jewish, Druze, Yazidi and other faith communities.

Even within Arabic, everyday speech differs from country to country. Words for feelings can be very different from English ones.

Mental Health America notes that language nuances around mental health can lead to misunderstanding or gaps in care.

Some families have been in the U.S. for more than a century. Others came as students, workers or refugees in recent years. Each path brings its own joys and stresses.

Many MENA Americans face stereotypes and unfair treatment, yet forms asked them to tick “White”. That mismatch can feel confusing and erasing.

Most MENA people selected “White” on surveys without a MENA option, which is one reason their needs were hard to see.

When a community is counted, researchers can study its needs and services can be planned for it. Mental Health America notes that Arab communities have been underrepresented in research.

Agencies need time to update their forms, so change will come step by step.

Some people feel MENA describes them well. Others identify as white, Black, Arab, Persian, Amazigh or something else entirely. All are valid.

What it can look like

• Being asked about your “real” country
• Extra checks at airports
• Jokes about your name, clothes or accent
• Being asked to speak for a whole region or religion
• People assuming your faith or politics

Mental Health America notes that stereotypes have led some patients’ concerns to be dismissed in health care.

Mental Health America reports that young Muslims and women are most likely to be targeted because of their religion.

In the Detroit survey, reported abuse after 9/11 was more common among Muslims than Christians.

Things that can help

• Limit hostile news and social media when it feels too much
• Name what happened to someone you trust
• Spend time with people who share your experience
• Report hate incidents if and when you feel ready
• Lean on faith, culture and community

Hopelessness can grow when people feel they can’t do anything. Finding one next step, even a small one, can bring some peace.

Small steps

• Call or message family when you can
• Give time or support to a trusted relief group
• Join a community gathering or prayer
• Write down what you’re feeling

Social media can spread misinformation, hostile arguments and sudden graphic content. Limiting it can protect your mental health.

People may disagree about events, even within the same family. It is OK to step back from conversations that leave you drained.

Connecting with people who share your experience can bring validation and a sense of safety.

Survivors may carry memories, grief and worry for those left behind. Healing is possible, and it is never too late to get support.

Seeking help from family is the most common way Arab Americans report getting support.

Family can be a strong source of comfort. When problems are serious or ongoing, a trained professional can add support without replacing family.

In close communities, people may worry that others will find out. Therapy is private, and telehealth means you can talk from home.

Mental Health America notes that Islamic tradition takes a holistic view of mind and body, and that faith should be considered in treatment.

Prayer and sacred texts can complement professional care. Faith leaders often give guidance on family and mental health concerns.

Ideas that can help

• Choose a calm, private moment
• Talk about stress, sleep or tiredness if “mental health” feels too strong
• Ask a trusted relative or faith leader to help
• Share materials in your family’s language
• Start with one person, not the whole family

Prayer, scripture, fasting and gathering with others can bring peace, meaning and belonging. For young people, taking part in religious life is linked to lower stress from adjusting to a new culture.

Values like loyalty to family create a supportive network. A strong link to your culture can buffer the stress of adapting to a new country.

Shared meals, coffee with neighbours, weddings and holidays keep people connected. Feeling part of a community protects wellbeing.

Community centres and cultural groups also help newcomers with work, language and friendship.

The region has a rich heritage of poetry, music, art and cooking. Sharing it with children and friends can be a joyful way to stay rooted.

The 988 Lifeline offers interpreters by phone in more than 240 languages, at no cost. Just say the language you need.

Arab Americans are more likely to be uninsured than non-Hispanic white people. Mental Health America offers guides to how health insurance works in both English and Arabic.

In many cultures, stress and sadness are felt in the body as much as the mind. Telling your provider about both can help them understand.

It is common to feel “too American” at home and “too foreign” at school. Your blend of cultures is a strength, not a failure.

Tell a trusted adult, teacher or counsellor if you are being bullied. You deserve to feel safe at school.

Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and 988 (call or text) are free and available 24/7.

Many campuses also have counselling centres, and some have Arab, MENA or Muslim student groups.

Telling children “you can come to me with anything, including feelings” can change a lot. Sharing your own hard times helps too.

Values like respect and family closeness can be part of how you support each other.

Faith leaders often guide families on relationships and mental health concerns.

Ideas

• Invite a counsellor to speak at your community
• Keep helpline cards where people gather
• Speak about mental health in a sermon or talk
• Know a few local therapists you can refer people to

Don’t assume someone’s faith, politics or background. When events in the region are in the news, a simple “thinking of you, how are you doing?” can mean a lot.

Directories

• AMENA-Psy, the American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association (amenapsy.org): “Find a Professional” search
• Inclusive Therapists (inclusivetherapists.com): therapists who offer care for Arab cultures and other identities

• Have you worked with people from my community?
• How do you include faith and family in therapy?
• Can we talk about discrimination and identity here?
• Do you offer sessions in my language, or work with interpreters?

You can ask a therapist whether they are comfortable including faith in your care. Some faith communities also keep lists of counsellors.