S04E10 - Cultural Stigma - Dr. Neelam Laxhman

S04E10 - Cultural Stigma - Dr. Neelam Laxhman

Author: MentalHealth AE July 11, 2026 Duration: 39:07

Mental health conversations are becoming more common, but finding the right support can still feel overwhelming. In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Neelam Laxman to discuss breaking the stigma around therapy, navigating the mental health landscape in the UAE, supporting children and teenagers through rising anxiety, and why finding the right therapist matters. We also explore ADHD assessments, the impact of social media, and practical ways families can build stronger emotional connections.

Podcasters:Ali Khawaja⁠ | https://alikhawaja.comDr. Neelam Laxhman | https://www.instagram.com/drneelamlaxhman⁠MHAE Website | ⁠https://www.mentalhealth.ae⁠MHAE Instagram | http://instagram.com/mentalhealthae

Outline00:00 - Welcome & IntroductionMeet Dr. Neelam Laxman and why open conversations about mental health matter.03:40 - Mental Health Stigma & RepresentationWhy cultural understanding and representation are important in therapy.06:25 - Finding Mental Health Support in the UAEHow to navigate the different types of professionals and where to begin.11:30 - When Is It Time to Seek Help?Recognizing the signs that something feels "off" and taking the first step.13:08 - Choosing the Right TherapistWhy the right therapeutic fit matters and how to know when it's not working.17:40 - Why Anxiety Is Rising in Young PeopleSocial media, academic pressure, and the constant need to perform.19:20 - Advice for Parents & TeensBuilding open communication, spotting warning signs, and reducing pressure.24:55 - Helping Young People Manage StressFocusing on what you can control while making time for life outside of school.28:58 - Screen Time, Family Time & Healthy HabitsPractical ways families can reconnect beyond phones and social media.35:17 - What Can a Clinical Psychologist Help With?Anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships, identity, grief, and more.36:22 - ADHD Assessments ExplainedWhy self-diagnosis isn't enough and what a professional assessment involves.


Tuning into Mental Health AE means entering a conversation grounded in the unique rhythms and realities of life in the United Arab Emirates. This isn't about abstract theories; it's a practical, compassionate dialogue focused on local well-being. Each episode stems from the initiative's core mission to build awareness and carve out a genuine safe space for listeners, offering tangible access to information and resources that resonate within this specific cultural context. You'll hear honest discussions that tackle the everyday stresses, societal pressures, and personal challenges people face here, all while navigating paths toward resilience and balance. The podcast serves as an audio extension of that supportive community, where topics range from managing anxiety and workplace burnout to fostering mindfulness and emotional health, always with a relatable, UAE-centric perspective. Hosted by the team behind MentalHealth AE, the episodes are designed to feel like a thoughtful chat with someone who gets it, providing both solace and actionable insights without judgment. It’s for anyone in the region looking to understand their own mind better or simply seeking a moment of grounded reflection amidst a fast-paced world.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Mental Health AE
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