On World Meditation Day, Emirates Woman Sheds Light on Why Protecting Your Peace is Important
How Dr. Saliha Afridi, Founder and Clinical Psychologist at LightHouse Arabia, Focuses on Making a Positive Impact on the Mental Health of Her Community
Talk Us Through Your Background?
I am a clinical psychologist and the founder of the LightHouse Arabia, which is a community mental health center in Dubai since 2011. Over the past decade, my focus has notably shifted towards adult development and navigating personal and professional transitions in midlife. I specialize in workplace and executive mental health, along with deep-seated expertise in parenting strategies and dynamics. My transition from the U.S. to the UAE over 15 years ago marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to significantly enhance the mental health landscape of the region. In 2011, I established The LightHouse Arabia, and under my leadership, it has evolved into one of the most influential mental health centers in the UAE and the region. Since its inception, I, alongside my dedicated team, have devoted thousands of volunteer hours to community education, focusing on cultivating mental health and wellness best practices.
Can Optimism Influence Physical Health, and If So, How is it Connected to Mental Well-Being?
Absolutely. Our mind and body are interconnected. Our thoughts can impact something as biological as our gut microbiome, which is deeply linked to our mental health. Research consistently shows that optimism can lower stress levels, decrease cortisol levels in the body, and thus reduce inflammation. With lowered cortisol and inflammation, we positively influence almost every organ and system in our bodies, reducing risks for cardiovascular diseases and strengthening the immune system, potentially leading to increased longevity. A positive mental outlook also encourages healthier habits, such as exercise, better nutrition, and improved sleep, all contributing to better physical health.
What Role Does Therapy or Professional Support Play in Helping Someone Develop Optimism?
Working with a psychologist can be immensely beneficial for fostering optimism. Sometimes we aren’t even aware of our negativity, and having our thoughts and feelings reflected back to us increases awareness of the deep-seated beliefs fueling that negativity. Learning skills from cognitive behavioral therapy, such as recognizing cognitive distortions, reframing thoughts, and maintaining a thought journal, can help challenge negative thoughts and foster healthier, more balanced perspectives. Therapy also provides tools to process traumas and difficult life experiences, enabling healing of parts of ourselves that cling to negativity as a coping mechanism. By working through these past experiences, therapy allows the release of outdated thought patterns and coping strategies that no longer serve us.
Can Social Connections and Community Engagement Enhance a Strong Mindset?
Research shows a significant relationship between loneliness and pessimism, with loneliness often resulting in a more negative outlook on life. A study involving 260 undergraduate students found that higher loneliness levels were associated with increased pessimism and decreased optimism. Social connections can help us feel more well-resourced, enhancing our strength to cope with challenges. When we feel connected and supported, we are reminded that we don’t have to face life alone. This sense of belonging serves as a buffer against stress, reducing feelings of isolation. Simply put, relationships provide strength, grounding, and support, better equipping us to navigate life’s obstacles.
With the Fast-Paced Culture, Are There Specific Tools or Techniques to Manage Stress, Anxiety, or Burnout Effectively?
One of the most vital things we can do to manage stress, anxiety, and burnout is to remember our humanity. There are no quick fixes. We live in a fast-paced, almost machine-like world, but we are not machines. Our bodies have evolved to thrive through simple, natural rhythms: movement, nutrition, rest, and connection. Our internal clocks were once regulated by the sun, not screens. When feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, consider:
- Am I getting sufficient sleep to restore my body and mind?
- Am I moving in ways that release tension?
- Am I nourishing myself with foods that heal?
- Am I connecting with others or feeling isolated?
- When was the last time I stepped outside to ground myself in nature and slowed my pace?
While modern demands push for speed, our bodies and souls crave rest, movement, nourishment, and connection. By returning to these essentials, we honor our humanity and reclaim balance and well-being.
How Can People Set Boundaries to Protect Their Mental Health Without Feeling Guilty?
Understanding the reasons behind feelings of guilt when setting boundaries is critical. It’s easy to say “just say no,” but cultural conditioning often teaches individuals, particularly women, to prioritize others’ needs, leading to feelings of guilt. Before declining a request, I encourage self-reflection: What does saying no mean for me? Identifying fears or beliefs that emerge when considering boundaries is essential. Explore the origins of these beliefs—is it family messaging, cultural norms, or personal experiences? Unlimited compliance can lead to burnout or toxic relational patterns. Boundaries symbolize self-respect; they’re not selfish but rather essential for mental health preservation.
How Can Technology, Like Apps or Virtual Therapy, Help Improve Mental Health Access?
I am a strong advocate for in-person therapy, valuing direct human connection. However, virtual methods and apps can serve as valuable adjuncts. They enhance accessibility for those facing barriers such as distance, stigma, or time constraints, providing support outside traditional therapy hours.
Are There Specific Habits or Routines That Foster a Positive Mental Attitude?
It is crucial to distinguish between positivity and realistic optimism. Realistic optimism refers to maintaining a hopeful outlook grounded in reality. This middle ground avoids the pitfalls of naïve optimism or pessimism. Engaging in practical assessments of situations, while recognizing challenges and proactively planning solutions, is essential. Developing habits that foster this perspective can include:
- Maintaining a gratitude journal to regularly reflect on positive aspects of life.
- Memorizing “wow” moments throughout the day, savoring simple joys.
- Prioritizing non-negotiables related to self-care: adequate sleep, nourishment, and movement.
Neglecting these essential elements, regardless of optimism, will hinder well-being.
This is The Optimism Issue – How Do You Stay Positive During Testing Times?
For me, faith plays a central role in navigating life’s challenges. I trust that every experience, even the difficult ones, serves a greater purpose. I acknowledge feelings like grief or overwhelm, but maintain an underlying faith that these moments contribute to a larger journey toward self-discovery. This viewpoint allows me to embrace life’s uncertainties with openness, reassuring me that discomfort is temporary and transformative—a refining fire. It anchors me in believing that each challenge asks something greater of me.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker
