The Cornerstones of
my Mental Health Advocacy
Normalizing and encouraging open conversations to create a judgment-free, stigma-free society.
Educating communities about mental health, neurodiversity, and emotional well-being.
Providing safe spaces for connection, guidance, and essential emotional support.
Advocating inclusion by celebrating strengths and fostering greater acceptance of all.
I was asked this question during a leadership program interview; and the only thing I was able to think of was and still is, judgement.
If people stopped judging they will stop carrying feelings toward anything. Therefore, there won't be any place for prejudice, racism, war, discrimination, etc.. People would live in harmony accepting each other and their environment just as they are.
This belief also drives my commitment to mental health leadership and advocacy.
There is immense beauty, strength, and creativity within neurodivergent minds and those navigating mental health challenges. Inspired by this, I pursued a mental health leadership certificate and launched the initiative Unique Strengths to highlight their potential and demonstrate how, with the right support, they can flourish and thrive.
To further my advocacy work, I pursued the following credentials:
Mental Health Leadership: Transformation Through Innovation
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Executive and Continuing Education (Nov 2024)
SaferMinds Mental Health Leadership Training Certificate
Ollie Health Inc. (Nov 2023 - Dec 2024)
Embracing My Neurodiversity
My journey into the world of neurodiversity began when I was diagnosed with adult ADHD. This revelation brought clarity and made everything in my life fall into place. The knowledge I gained has been transformative, leaving me feeling more empowered than ever before.
Initially, exploring ADHD presented more challenges than solutions. Reflecting on my past, I realized I had unconsciously adapted for over two decades without fully understanding my struggles. Determined to learn, I delved deeper, eventually recognizing that being different is simply part of who I am. I’ve embraced the importance of navigating life within my own boundaries.
Life's irony
Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the incredible complexity of the human brain and its ability to adapt to shifting mental health states. While life diverted me from pursuing psychiatry professionally, it unexpectedly brought me back to it—as a patient. This journey gave me a profound perspective, shaping my passion for mental health advocacy.
Blessing in disguise
For years, I wrestled with my mental health in the shadows, confined by stigma. Cycling in and out of therapy became exhausting, and eventually, I gave up. It wasn’t until I hit rock bottom during a mental breakdown that I found my turning point. Meeting my psychiatrist not only reignited my hope but also helped me reclaim my strength and purpose.
Empowering people
Today, I aspire to lead by example—instilling hope, celebrating potential, and helping others see the beauty and strength within themselves, just as I do. This vision forms the heart of my coaching practice, where I empower individuals to navigate challenges, reframe their thoughts, and build a more resilient, fulfilling life.
Through both my advocacy and coaching, I strive to make mental health support more accessible and stigma-free.
Ghazwa Al SawafMy journey inspired me to launch the ‘Unique Strengths’ initiative—a social awareness platform dedicated to showcasing the beauty, strengths, and creativity of neurodivergent minds and those facing mental health challenges.
Ghazwa Al Sawaf
Unique Strengths is the embodiment of my advocacy—a platform where individuals can find their voice, connect, and thrive. It’s a transformative initiative dedicated to breaking mental health stigma, challenging societal norms, and fostering a world where everyone can express their authentic selves.
Here, individuals are free to be heard, be themselves without judgment, and shine. It’s a safe space to share thoughts, feelings, and insights, connect with others, grow, and cultivate a true sense of belonging—creating a community where mental health is celebrated, not stigmatized.