April 11, 2025
“I stayed because I believe healing begins from within.”
In a world where war and displacement have shattered lives, Mohammad Barakat chose to stay. He began his journey in mental health in 2019, driven by the overwhelming emotional pain he saw around him and a deep desire to help. When he joined SAMS in 2020, he found a space that truly prioritized mental health in the midst of crisis.
Mohammad has witnessed the emotional toll of ongoing displacement, the destruction of medical facilities, and the fear etched into the faces of those around him after every attack. Providing mental health support amid rubble and trauma is never simple.
And yet, there were moments of light. One of his most powerful memories? Saving the life of a young woman who had lost all hope. With urgent care and support, she recovered, finding stability again. One of the hardest? When airstrikes struck near SAMS’ Bab al-Hawa clinics. The terror in people’s eyes is something he’ll never forget.
Despite several opportunities to leave Syria—including offers to reunite with his family in Sweden—Mohammad stayed. Most recently in 2022, he made the difficult decision once again to remain, committed to helping his people rebuild their lives.
Now, with areas of Syria experiencing newfound safety, Mohammad and his team continue their mission, offering psychological support, connecting patients with specialists, and distributing essential mental health medications.
“Mental health is the cornerstone of a strong society,” Mohammad says. “Real help comes from within, from a sincere desire to improve the lives of others.”
At SAMS, we’re proud to stand with dedicated providers like Mohammad—those who choose healing, hope, and home.
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