Hope In Exile: Ferozan Nawabi Leads Afghan Refugees Toward Healing

For more than 25 years, Ferozan Nawabi has called Pakistan her home. Originally from Afghanistan, she arrived here as a refugee during one of the country's many waves of displacement.

Like countless other Afghan families, she faced the struggles of resettlement, loss, and an uncertain future . Yet, instead of allowing her circumstances to define her, Ferozan chose to turn her pain into purpose.

Today, she works as a Community Wellbeing Mentor (CWM), dedicating her life to raising awareness about mental health among Afghan refugees, a community often overlooked, yet deeply in need of support.

Life as a refugee is not easy. Afghan families in Pakistan face ongoing challenges such as poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and the lingering trauma of war and displacement. For many, the daily stressors of survival take a heavy toll on mental health. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common, yet very few people are willing or able to speak about them openly.

“Mental health is not something our community often talks about,” Ferozan explains.“Many believe it is a weakness or something to be ashamed of. But in reality, it is just as important as our physical health. If our mind is unwell, our whole life is affected.”

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Her words reflect a painful truth: without proper awareness, many Afghan refugees silently endure mental health struggles, unable to access the care they desperately need.

As a CWM, Ferozan visits Afghan households door-to-door, reaching families who might otherwise remain isolated. Her role is not just to provide information, but also to build trust in a community where conversations about mental health can be sensitive. She holds mini awareness sessions, often with small groups of women, where she gently introduces the topic of mental health and explains why it matters.

During these sessions, Ferozan covers fundamental questions:
. What is mental health?
. How can we maintain it in our daily lives?
. What factors can negatively affect our mental wellbeing?
. What does good mental health look like compared to poor mental health?

By keeping her approach simple and interactive, Ferozan ensures that even those with little prior knowledge can relate.“I tell them that mental health is like a balance,” she says.“When we are stressed, worried, or sad for a long time, it is like carrying a heavy bag. If we don't get help, the bag becomes too heavy, and we can no longer move forward.”

One of the most powerful aspects of Ferozan's work is her ability to identify when someone needs professional support. At the end of each session, she distributes screening forms that allow participants to self-reflect and assess their mental health condition. With these forms, she can evaluate the level of distress among individuals and decide on next steps.

If someone's mental health appears to be severely affected, Ferozan does not leave them to struggle alone. Instead, she refers them directly to a psychologist based at the main office, where professional counseling and therapy services are available. This referral system ensures that those in urgent need of help can access specialized care. In this way, her role bridges the gap between vulnerable communities and mental health professionals.

Changing mindsets is perhaps Ferozan's biggest challenge. In many Afghan households, mental illness is stigmatized or misunderstood. Women, in particular, often suffer in silence, burdened by family responsibilities and cultural expectations. Through patient conversations and repeated visits, Ferozan has been able to slowly chip away at these barriers.

She recalls a recent case where a young mother confided in her about feelings of hopelessness and exhaustion. Initially, the woman was hesitant to share, fearing judgment. But after attending Ferozan's sessions, she realized she was not alone. With encouragement, she agreed to meet a psychologist. Months later, she is now receiving regular support and feeling much stronger.

“These are the moments that give me strength,” Ferozan says with a gentle smile.“When someone realizes that seeking help is not shameful but a step toward healing, I know my work is making a difference.”

Ferozan's journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility toward her community. While her work is not easy, requiring patience, cultural sensitivity, and emotional strength, it is immensely rewarding. Each mini-session, each conversation, and each referral represents a step toward building a healthier, more aware community.

Her vision is simple yet profound:“I want every Afghan refugee to know that mental health matters. It is not a weakness to ask for help, it is a sign of courage. If our minds are healthy, our families, our communities, and our future will be healthy too.”

Ferozan Nawabi's work as a Community Wellbeing Mentor is more than just a role; it is a lifeline for Afghan refugees struggling silently with mental health issues in Pakistan. By bringing awareness into homes, holding safe conversations, and connecting individuals with professional care, she is breaking the silence around mental health.

In a world where Afghan refugees often face invisibility and marginalization, Ferozan stands as a beacon of hope, proving that even in displacement, healing and resilience are possible.

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