What are the things Arab families know are happening—but are still afraid to talk about? On this episode of Arab Is Me, Said Durrah sits down with Dr. Linda Humaidan Zayed, a public health researcher, educator, and community health expert whose work focuses on health equity, mental health, women’s health, intimate partner violence prevention, and Arab and minority communities. This conversation goes places Arab families often don’t. Dr. Linda and Said talk about mental health and the stigma around therapy, intergenerational trauma, domestic violence and abuse, substance use, survivor’s guilt, the immigrant experience, and the pressure many Arabs feel to simply “stay strong.” They also explore what happens when one generation says, “I had it worse,” instead of validating what the next generation is going through. But this conversation isn’t about blaming Arab culture. It’s about understanding it. What should we preserve? What needs to change? How do war, displacement, immigration, family expectations, shame and the idea of “3ayb” shape the way we deal with pain? And most importantly—how do we break unhealthy cycles without losing the community, family and identity that make our culture so special? As Dr. Linda explains in the episode, sometimes “the nothing is what got us here in the first place.” Talking about difficult things may be uncomfortable—but silence has consequences. ARABS NEED TO TALK. If this conversation resonates with you, please LIKE the episode, SUBSCRIBE to Arab Is Me, and SHARE it with someone who needs to hear it. And tell us in the comments: What is something you think Arab families need to talk about more? MENTAL HEALTH & COMMUNITY RESOURCES If you or someone you know needs support, Dr. Linda provided resources for culturally responsive mental health care, domestic violence and abuse support, crisis intervention, and Arab/MENA and Muslim communities. Arab American Mental Health Association (AAMHA) Resources for Arab Americans, including mental health, domestic violence, crisis intervention and finding support: Arab American Mental Health Association Resources AMENA-Psy — Find a Therapist The American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association offers resources for finding mental health professionals familiar with MENA cultural backgrounds. AMENA-Psy Inclusive Therapists Directory for finding culturally responsive mental health providers. Inclusive Therapists American Muslim Health Professionals — Mental Health Resources Mental health resources and support for Muslim communities. AMHP Mental Health Resources Arab-American Family Support Center Trauma-informed and culturally responsive services, including support related to mental health, domestic violence and child abuse. Arab-American Family Support Center Additional MENA Mental Health Resources Mental Health America — Arab Descent Resources Mental Health Resources for MENA Individuals DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & ABUSE SUPPORT Dr. Linda also provided a number of organizations offering culturally sensitive domestic violence services, counseling, intervention and, in some cases, emergency housing. Arab American Family Services (Illinois) Arab American Family Services Arab American Association of New York — Mental Health & Domestic Violence Support Arab American Association of New York Arab Women's Services — Asian Women's Shelter Support for Arab survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Arab Women's Services IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for 24/7 support. National Domestic Violence Hotline This episode is intended for education and conversation and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area. Follow Arab Is Me: Instagram & TikTok: @arabismepodcast 🎙️ New episodes of Arab Is Me every Wednesday. #ArabIsMe #ArabMentalHealth #ArabAmerican #MentalHealth #IntergenerationalTrauma #ArabFamilies #MENA #BreakingTheStigma #Podcast #DrLindaHumaidanZayed Send us Fan Mail Arab Is Me is a podcast hosted by Said Durrah exploring the many ways people experience, express, and define what it means to be Arab. Through conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, activists, comedians, and community leaders, each episode celebrates the stories, cultures, and perspectives that make our community so unique. 🎙️ New episodes released regularly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts, and follow @arabismepodcast for behind-the-scenes content, clips, and upcoming guests. 🌐 Website: arabismepodcast.com 📺 YouTube: arabismepodcast 🎧 Apple Podcasts: 🎧 Spotify: 📸 Instagram: @arabismepodcast 🎵 TikTok: @arabismepodcast 📘 Facebook:
