Mental Health Matters
Raising Awareness in the Kurdish Community

Kurds are one of the largest ethnic groups that have been exposed to the traumas of war, genocide, persecution, and forced resettlement. Unfortunately, mental health remains a highly stigmatized and widely understudied subject among the Kurdish diaspora. Together, Kurdish medical experts, religious leaders, and community members with lived experience are committed to demystifying mental health and creating a space to have a discussion on the mental health issues that face our community in order to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and direct those in need to life-saving resources.

The Kurdish American Medical Assoiciation in collaboration with Kurdish American community leader and major mosque hosted virtual town hall meetings to discuss mental health issues and address concerns from the community while answering questions.

Project Team:

• Arazoo Shwany: Executive producer
• Alan Amedi: Content producer
• Bayzar Weysi: Community advisor
• Mr. Mohammad Kokoy: Religious advisor
• Heval Kelli, MD: Project advisor

Mental Health Experts: 

• Ganj Beebani, MD: Kurdish American Resident Psychiatrist from Henry Ford Hospital
• Maryam Hussein, MD, PhD: Kurdish American Psychiatrist from University of Pennsylvania
• Aram Hasan, MD: Psychiatrist and Global Trauma & transcultural expert

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Disclaimer:
The series is only for educational purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please discuss your medical concerns with your medical providers. All interviewers agreed to share their experience with the public to raise awareness of mental health issues.  Please understand that the disease impacts everyone in different ways. We ask all viewers to remain respectful to everyone’s experiences and stories.

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