In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Dubai welcomes its first wellness podcast dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of expatriates. ‘You’ve Got This!’, hosted by experienced professionals Kat and Von, aims to help expats navigate the distinct emotional and psychological challenges of life abroad. As the UAE prioritises quality of life and aims to become one of the world’s happiest nations, this podcast provides essential mental health guidance for Dubai’s expatriate population, which comprises over 88% of the emirate’s residents.
Katrina Spartalis (Kat), an Australian-Greek licensed counsellor, and Yvonne Zeljkovic (Von), an Australian-Polish Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in strategic psychotherapy, draw on their combined 28 years of experience living and working as expats in Dubai. With expertise in anxiety management, relationship dynamics, and overcoming unhelpful behaviours, they provide actionable insights on topics such as homesickness, isolation, burnout, and adapting to a new life in the UAE.
“Our goal with this podcast is to provide expats with direct, accessible mental health support, grounded in both professional expertise and personal experience,” explains Kat. “Having faced the challenges of relocation ourselves, we understand the emotional strain that comes with living abroad. Our episodes offer relatable, practical guidance that helps expats not only manage these stressors but also find balance, achieve their goals, and thrive.”
‘You’ve Got This!’ is the first podcast of its kind dedicated to Dubai’s expatriate community. Featuring a mix of expert interviews and duo-hosted discussions, listeners can expect practical, solution-based advice to improve their relationships, boost their well-being, and reach their full potential—all served with a dose of unfiltered honesty and humour.
“The UAE has made great progress in mental health awareness, and we’re proud to contribute to that journey,” adds Von. “Living abroad can be isolating, especially without family close by, which is why it’s so important to have open conversations and normalise mental health. ‘You’ve Got This’ offers a safe space where expats can feel connected and understood—while also enjoying some good belly laughs along the way.”
The podcast, aimed at families, professionals, and individuals, will release 20-minute episodes—perfect for listening on the daily commute or during a break. Each episode will be available on YouTube, Spotify, and via the You’ve Got This website, youvegotthis.ae.
As the UAE continues to champion mental health initiatives, ‘You’ve Got This!’ offers expats in Dubai an essential resource for maintaining mental well-being. The first episode drops on 10 October, 2024, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, delivering a message of empowerment and resilience to the emirate’s diverse international community.
For more information or to subscribe, visit www.youvegotthis.ae or follow @youvegothis.ae on Instagram.
