World Mental Health Day 2023: 9 Arab Actors Who Have Spoken Candidly About Their Wellness Journeys
To mark the occasion, Bazaar Arabia is sharing the real-life mental health stories of some of the most successful actresses in Arab cinema
When actors aren’t playing a character within the confines of a script, they’re subservient to public opinion and their audience’s perceptions of them. Glitz and glam aside, various distinguished women in Arab cinema have candidly shared their struggles with mental health throughout the decades – and whether they be work-related or personal, their vulnerable testimonies have solidified their status as mental health advocates in the region.
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2023, Bazaar Arabia is showcasing the various mental health journeys and contributions of the most beloved Arab women in cinema – behind-the-scenes.
9 Arab Actors That Celebrate World Mental Health Day…
Mona Zaki
Courtesy of @monazakiofficial
In a candid interview with Anas Bukhash on #ABTalks, Mona expressed that since her beloved father’s passing, her most prominent fear is losing her loved ones. The Egyptian actress’ father played a pivotal role in her upbringing, unconditionally cheering her on throughout the different phases and challenges of life. “What kills me,” expresses Mona, “is that he was the only person who loved me the most, and he left quickly before I was able to mature and show him my love.”
In the same podcast episode, Mona vulnerably disclosed that she struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. The mental health advocate shared that meditation, yoga, and a multitude of spiritual healing practices have helped her release suppressed anger. She encourages physical exercise, stone healing, holistic therapy, and breathing exercises for all seekers of mental well being.
Yasmin Abdelaziz
Courtesy of @yasminabdelaziz_
Having gone through a gruelling health battle and a public divorce with the father of her children, the iconic Egyptian actress famously shared some words of wisdom on coping with sadness. “Any difficult situation in my life turns into a challenge, which only makes me stronger,” stated Yasmin in an exclusive interview with Mona El Shazly. “In my life, I’ve learned that sadness should last one day, and one day only. Sadness makes you sick – and is there anything more valuable than your health?”
Today, Yasmin is in good health and has remarried. The actor expressed that her dedicated fans’ prayers, love, and support have strengthened her throughout her physical and mental health battles. “People’s love for me is the biggest and truest honour,” declares Yasmin in a heartfelt Instagram video – emphasizing the value of community when it comes to mental wellness.
Elissa
Courtesy of @elissazkh
Elissa is arguably one of the most prominent mental health advocates in the Arab world. As the first Arab artist to launch her own podcast titled Elissa – The Podcast on popular Music platform Anghami, the Lebanese icon has consistently addressed the “taboo” subject of mental health in the region.
“Not many people know that I have been visiting a psychiatrist’s clinic for around 15 years,” states Elissa in the second episode of her podcast. “To this day, the topic of mental health is considered a taboo, especially in our societies.” The Bitmoun singer has also been candid about her battle with breast cancer, which she overcame in 2019.
By recounting her health battles and encouraging fans to incorporate mental wellness exercises into their daily lives, Elissa seeks to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health in the Arab world.
Hend Sabry
Courtesy of @bilohussein
In an insightful interview with Anas Bukhash on #ABTalks, the Tunisian-Egyptian star discussed personal topics such as her parents’ divorce, her struggle with OCD, and her mental health advocacy through cinema.
“As an only child, I was deeply hurt by my parents’ divorce. When I was just 17 years old, I felt that my entire world had collapsed – and I felt lost,” shares Hend. Following her parents divorce, Sabry received a prestigious and rare higher education scholarship from the French government – but she chose to forgo the opportunity in order to take care of her mother. In the end, things worked out perfectly for Hend, whose perseverance led her to become one of the most respected female actors in Egyptian cinema today.
The beloved actor also discussed her overarching mission, which consists of advocating mental health and women’s rights through her cinematic projects. In her Netflix series Finding Ola (2022), Hend Sabry warns against the suppression of emotions that are considered taboo by society – claiming that this causes generational mental health issues. “We bury them inside,” shares Hend, “which results in many mental health issues for generations to come.”
Through the captivating power of film, Hend Sabry seeks to restore mental wellbeing in the Arab world at large.
Nelly Karim
Courtesy of @nellykarim_official
The successful Egyptian actor has leveraged her fame to reshape public perception of mental health issues in the Arab world. In Taht El-Saytara (2015), Nelly showcased the harrowing mental and psychological consequences of substance abuse alongside Dhafer L’Abidine, with the goal of shattering the stigma surrounding drug addiction in Egypt.
Nelly doubled down on her mental health advocacy in yet another series titled Sokout Hor (2016), which follows the story of a psychologically troubled woman who gets admitted into a psychiatric clinic. Karim masterfully sheds light on the many mental health issues that Arab societies fail to address.
Laila Eloui
Courtesy of @lailaelouiofficial
Throughout her career, the iconic Egyptian female actor has consistently portrayed roles that serve the Arab world at large, namely through partaking in projects that address the topic of mental illness in the region.
In Laila’s Stalker (2009), the actor portrayed the role of a clinical psychologist who treated a patient battling depression. “I was surprised at how many viewers identified with the patient, and how empowering it was for them to speak openly about their mental illnesses – after years of suffering in solitude.”
In Hala and the unknown (2009), Eloui delved into the psychological trauma, guilt, and remorse experienced by impoverished mothers who are forced to sell their own children in order to survive.
In Laila’s Wedding (2013) the Egyptian icon plays the role of a young woman who is unable to move past her mother’s death following her lost battle with breast cancer. “The character and I share a common trait of internalising pain,” expressed Laila. “It was important for me to tell this story in order to dispel misconceptions about breast cancer.”
Amina Khalil
Shot by a_zaatar – courtesy of @aminakhalilofficial
The accomplished Egyptian actor is one of the most outspoken mental health advocates in the region. “I will always and forever be an advocate for mental health,” declares Amina in a profound Instagram post. “It’s such an unfortunate misconception that people who choose to heal their hearts and minds are perceived as weak. This is to clarify, that in my eyes, you’re the strongest people in the world. I wish that everyone finds their healing path.”
She continued, “people who suffer from Anxiety, OCD, BPD, Borderline, Bulimia, Anorexia, ADHD, Panic Attacks live amongst us. People who have been through loss, divorce, break-ups, childhood trauma, violence, depression or people who simply are hurting for one reason or the other. You have a choice. You do not need to continue living without help. It’s okay to seek professional assistance.”
Amina has also championed mental health through her cinematic projects, which most notably include Khali Ballak Men Zizi (2021). The standout TV series sheds light on a multitude of mental health issues, including ADHD, and the importance of seeking therapy. Alongside Mohamed Mamdouh, Amina Khalil’s role in the acclaimed dramedy serves to eliminate misconceptions surrounding mental illness in Arab societies.
Menna Shalaby
Shot by @batoolaldaawi – courtesy of @mennashalaby
Fans would be surprised to know that the distinguished Egyptian artist’s dedication to her craft has caused her to seek therapy at times. During a talk at the 41st Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF), Menna explained that “playing characters who go through various psychological battles affects you eventually.” the actor continues, “I personally overcome these effects by seeking professional help to decompress after playing difficult roles.”
By openly sharing her work-related mental health struggles, Menna Shalaby has shown fans across the globe that they are not required to suffer in solitude – and that access to therapy should be normalized.
Ghada Abdel Razek
Courtesy of @ghadaabdelrazek
The revolutionary project It Really Happened (2023), starring Ghada Abdel Razek tells one hundred and one real-life mental health stories which unfolded across nine Arab countries. Dubbed “the Arab world’s first mental health TV series,” the thriller seeks to raise awareness of the various mental health struggles that plague the region – and by showcasing the dire consequences of mental illnesses that are left untreated, It Really Happened sheds light on the indispensable benefits of seeking professional help.