Rhabia Junaid

Interview with Rhabia Junaid

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and what drew you to the field of mental health?
 Growing up, I was always drawn to helping and healing professions. I noticed a significant gap in accessible, culturally aware mental health care for South Asian and Muslim communities. As an American-born, first-generation Pakistani Muslim woman, I realized I could bring a unique perspective to the field. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston – Clear Lake and my Master of Arts in Counseling from Houston Baptist University in 2015. After completing a 3,000-hour internship, I became fully licensed in 2017 and have been practicing privately ever since.

Q: How do you define mental health, especially in the context of families raising children or adults with special needs?
 Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. For families supporting children or adults with special needs, mental health also includes the ongoing ability to cope with stress, maintain supportive relationships, and care for oneself while navigating unique challenges. Each family requires individualized support in order to thrive—not just survive.

Q: What are some common mental health challenges you see among caregivers in the special needs community?
 There are three major challenges. First, accepting the need for support—many caregivers are so focused on others that they overlook their own emotional distress, financial strain, or social isolation. Second, access to care is difficult—finding time, childcare, transportation, or a culturally competent therapist can all be barriers. Third, the cost of therapy, even with insurance, can be prohibitive. These obstacles are significant and often go unspoken.

Q: Why is it important for caregivers to prioritize their own mental health, and how can they start doing so without feeling guilty?
 The saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” is so true. Mental health conditions—whether it’s depression, anxiety, or undiagnosed ADHD—don’t just affect individuals; they impact the entire family. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s the first step toward being fully present and compassionate for your loved ones. Guilt and shame often hold us back, but seeking help is actually a sign of strength. If you wouldn’t delay treatment for a physical illness like diabetes or high blood pressure, why delay care for your mental health?

Q: What role do cultural or religious stigmas play in how mental health is perceived and addressed in our community?
 They play a big role. Often, people are encouraged to simply pray more, have stronger faith, or accept their situation as a test from God. While spirituality is important, it’s not a replacement for professional mental health support. Unfortunately, fear of judgment—especially in tightly-knit communities—causes many people to hide their struggles. There’s a real fear of “what will people say?” We need to create a culture where seeking help is normalized and supported, not gossiped about.

Q: How can we better support students and young adults at Dar-us-Sakina when it comes to their emotional and mental well-being?
 We should start with education. Offering basic mental health workshops on topics like anxiety and depression can go a long way. These classes can teach students how to identify symptoms, understand common causes, and build healthy coping skills. They’re not meant to be therapy, but simply informational sessions that empower young people with knowledge and reduce stigma.

Q: Are there tools, strategies, or routines you recommend to help families manage stress, anxiety, or burnout?
 Start with a flexible daily routine and make space for self-care at least three times a week—it can be as simple as taking a nap or going for a walk. Use task lists that are visible to the whole family and encourage shared responsibility. Ask for help when needed and be open to receiving it. Find a hobby, connect with friends, and make time to reconnect with your partner. These small, intentional actions can significantly improve mental wellness over time.

Q: What mental health resources—local or virtual—would you recommend for parents, caregivers, or siblings?
 There are many helpful options. Respite care allows another person to temporarily take over caregiving responsibilities so families can rest and recharge. Therapy and support groups are available both in-person and online. And self-care—whatever that looks like for you—is not optional; it’s essential. These resources help families cope with stress, build resilience, and protect their long-term well-being.

Q: What advice would you give to a parent who is struggling emotionally but hesitant to seek help?
 Just do it. Therapy is a safe space where you can say the things you’ve been holding in without fear of judgment. It’s where your feelings are heard, validated, and gently challenged. It’s where you begin to find your way back to yourself. You don’t have to keep carrying this burden alone.

Q: Lastly, what gives you hope in this field, and what message would you like to share with our DUS families this Mental Health Awareness Month?
 Hope lives in the moments of transformation—when individuals reclaim their identity, when families reconnect, and when caregivers finally feel seen. I’ve watched siblings of children with special needs blossom, marriages strengthen, and parents find peace. My message to DUS families is simple: You matter. You deserve love, care, and healing. Don’t wait until you're running on empty. Choose to show up for yourself today—you’re worth it.

May 30, 2025
Jami Sabety-Atto