Rahaf Kobeissi: Transforming Mental Health Narratives with Rays Your Mental Health

In a world where discussions about mental health are often hushed or stigmatised, Rahaf Kobeissi stands as a beacon of hope and resilience. The founder of Rays Your Mental Health, Kobeissi has channelled her tragedy into a powerful mission to dismantle barriers and revolutionise how we approach mental well-being. Her journey from personal loss to becoming a leading mental health advocate in the Middle East is both profound and inspiring.

A Turning Point: From Loss to Advocacy

Rahaf Kobeissi’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of 23 when she lost her father to suicide. This heart-wrenching experience was more than a personal tragedy; it became a catalyst for change. “Losing my dad was devastating, and it opened my eyes to the harsh realities of mental health struggles,” Kobeissi recalls. This loss, coupled with her battles with depression, deepened her understanding of the necessity of therapy and emotional healing.

Fueled by her experiences, Rahaf Kobeissi founded Rays Your Mental Health. Her mission was clear: to confront and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the realm of men’s mental health. Over the past five years, her award-winning organisation has made significant strides through awareness campaigns, healing retreats, keynote speeches, and coaching programs. These initiatives are designed to empower individuals—especially executives who may be financially successful yet emotionally trapped—to find inner peace, self-love, and emotional well-being.

Kobeissi’s entry into mental health advocacy was not a planned career move but rather a response to a profound personal connection. “I didn’t choose this industry; it chose me,” she explains. After her father’s death and her subsequent struggle with depression, she felt a powerful calling to address the mental health challenges she had faced. Immersing herself in advocacy, Kobeissi realised that her values and passions aligned perfectly with her new mission.

“Every time I engage in my work—whether it’s speaking, running workshops, or coaching—I feel a profound sense of fulfilment,” Kobeissi says. The positive feedback from clients and the visible impact of her programs reaffirmed that she was on the right path. Her dedication to breaking down mental health stigma and supporting individuals in their healing journeys became not just a career but a life mission.

Achievements and Impact: Breaking Barriers

Among Rahaf Kobeissi’s many achievements, the establishment and growth of Rays Your Mental Health stand out. In a region where mental health discussions, especially regarding men, have been traditionally stigmatised, Kobeissi has been a trailblazer. “Being one of the first women in the Middle East to initiate these conversations has been incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Her work goes beyond building a successful business; it’s about transforming societal attitudes towards mental health. By addressing harmful cycles and generational traumas, Kobeissi aims to foster a culture where individuals can embrace their true selves and achieve emotional well-being. Her efforts to redefine success and promote self-care are central to her mission, emphasising that healing involves more than fixing what’s broken—it’s about reconnecting with one’s authentic self.

Kobeissi’s journey was not without its challenges, particularly the societal stigma surrounding mental health in the Middle East. “Talking about mental health in a region where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness was a formidable challenge,” she notes. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 helped shift some attitudes, making mental health a more prominent topic.

As a woman addressing sensitive issues such as suicide and depression, Kobeissi faced additional resistance. Building trust within communities requires persistence and authenticity, often starting with small, intimate gatherings before expanding to broader audiences. Financial constraints also posed hurdles, but with time and growing recognition of mental health’s importance, these challenges became stepping stones to success.

Current Projects and Future Goals: Expanding the Reach

Currently, Rahaf Kobeissi is focused on expanding Rays Your Mental Health internationally and nurturing her second startup, Entreat. Entreat is dedicated to building a healed community through retreats and sharing circles. Her goal is to extend her reach across different cultures and regions, helping more individuals and organisations embrace mental health as a core element of their lives.

In addition, Kobeissi is preparing to launch her first book, which offers a glimpse into her personal journey and practical tools for mental and emotional well-being. These efforts align with her mission to break down global mental health stigmas and help people integrate emotional freedom into their lives.

Rahaf Kobeissi attributes her motivation not to fleeting inspiration but to a deep sense of purpose. “I stopped relying on motivation as a driving force and instead focused on purpose and balance,” she explains. She practises what she preaches, engaging in self-care, mindfulness, and therapy to maintain her well-being. When faced with setbacks, she takes a step back to focus on what she needs at the moment and reconnects with the broader impact of her work.

Lessons Learned and Future Legacy

The most important lesson Kobeissi has learned is the power of community and vulnerability. “True connection and transformation happen when we allow ourselves to be seen as we are,” she says. Her approach to work emphasises empathy, openness, and creating spaces where people feel safe to express their true selves.

Looking to the future, Kobeissi hopes her legacy will be one of compassion, courage, and change. She aspires to be remembered as a pioneer who broke down mental health barriers and inspired others to approach mental health with empathy and action. “I want to contribute to a world where mental health is no longer stigmatised and emotional well-being is seen as a fundamental part of true success and happiness,” she concludes.

Rahaf Kobeissi: A Catalyst for Change in Mental Health

Rahaf Kobeissi’s journey with Rays Your Mental Health is a testament to her resilience and commitment to transforming the landscape of mental health. Her story continues to inspire and create lasting change, paving the way for a more compassionate and understanding world.