The Story of Dareen
For years, my life felt like a storm I couldn’t escape. I carried memories of abuse, battled intrusive thoughts of self-harm, and lived under a cloud of despair that left me exhausted and sleepless. Every day, I felt like I was barely surviving, weighed down by fear, guilt, and the constant reminder that my pain was unseen. Yet despite it all, a small voice inside me whispered that I deserved help, that change was possible.
That’s when I reached out to Arab Woman Today (AWT). I didn’t realize it then, but that decision would become the turning point of my life.
From the first Zoom session, I felt seen, heard, and safe. Living abroad, I had never felt fully understood, but the AWT counselor immediately created a space where I could share my struggles without fear of judgment. I spoke about years of trauma, insomnia, physical fatigue, and the crushing weight of despair. And for the first time, someone told me that my life had value, that I could choose new ways to cope, and that I could take back control over my decisions.
As the sessions continued, my counselor helped me reconnect with the parts of myself that still held hope. My love for languages and my dream of traveling to France became anchors in my journey. I began channeling my energy into writing and drawing affirmations, small but powerful acts that reminded me I was capable of creativity, joy, and purpose. Each step forward made me visualize a future I once thought impossible.
Through AWT’s guidance, I confronted the roots of my trauma. I admitted my fears of godly punishment and the guilt tied to my abuse. My counselor patiently helped me understand God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, replacing my fear of judgment with a sense of hope and healing I had never experienced.
Practical tools became part of my transformation. Mindfulness exercises taught me to picture calm, peaceful spaces, like sitting by a gentle river, helping me process overwhelming emotions. I learned grounding techniques, such as drawing butterflies on areas I once harmed, and these small acts strengthened my ability to face triggers without harming myself. Slowly, I rebuilt my sense of agency, regaining confidence in my decisions and discovering safe ways to navigate the world.
Over time, my resilience grew. I adopted healthier routines, addressed my physical health, and reconnected with supportive family members who became pillars of my healing. Cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapy helped me manage emotions, process trauma, and challenge negative thought patterns that had dominated my life for so long. Prayer became a source of comfort, a reminder that I was not alone.
Today, I no longer live under the shadow of despair. I am free from self-harm and intrusive thoughts. I embrace life with healthier coping strategies, a supportive family network, and a vision of a future filled with hope and faith. AWT didn’t just help me survive; they helped me reclaim my life, discover my strength, and believe in the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.