What if the cure for mental health problems could be found by embracing one’s illness through art? 

Haneen, a Syrian poet, firmly believes in the powers of creative writing as a tool to overcome the challenges of mental illnesses, particularly for children. 

Through creative writing, children can be free to embrace the wave of emotions they feel, express the support they need and kick-start their healing process. Writing can also help educators to provide a safe environment for children to navigate the seasons of their mental health challenges.

Haneen shares her vision for the power of creative writing through her platform By Nostalgia, where over 22 000 followers read her poems and thought pieces in Arabic and English. More than just a creative outlet, Haneen aims to develop ‘By Nostalgia’ into a resource for people battling depression through curated content.