Bestselling psychologist Dr Smith talks self-care at SIBF 2025

November 08, 2025 / 7:36 PM

Sharjah 24: For physical fitness, one might go to the gym – but where does one go to get mentally fit? That question framed a session at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), where acclaimed psychologist and Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? author Dr Julie Smith joined wellness coach Omar Al Duri to explore how small daily choices can reshape mental health and redefine resilience.

Breaking the stigma around mental health

“Looking after the mind still carries a shadow of shame,” noted Dr Smith, who has over four million followers online. “We often separate the body and the mind, when in reality, they are intrinsically linked.” She described how everyday acts of self-care can counter burnout: “You don’t wait until you’re dehydrated to drink water – the same goes for your mental well-being.”

Personal journey and lessons in resilience

Reflecting on her journey from psychologist to global educator, Dr Smith spoke of her recovery from early-stage breast cancer last year, which reshaped her sense of focus and agency. “You can’t control what happens, but you can choose where to focus. Once I began taking small actions and seeking advice, I felt a renewed sense of control and clarity.”

Insights on self-talk, hustle culture, and values

Moderated by Al Duri, the conversation also delved into self-talk, hustle culture, and aligning personal values with life decisions. “High achievers are often their own harshest critics,” she said. “That habit doesn’t disappear overnight, but we can retrain ourselves to speak kindly and create new patterns of relating to who we are.”

The “Mapping Values” framework

Her practical “mapping values” framework drew particular attention. “Ask yourself what matters most – health, family, purpose. Give each a score and see how your actions align with those values. That clarity guides better decisions,” she explained.

Finding balance and Replenishing Energy

On finding balance, Dr Smith admitted: “I’m more careful now about what I say yes or no to. I think about my family and values first. My way of replenishing is simple – spending time on farms, surrounded by greenery and animals.”

The evolution of mental health conversations

She concluded by reflecting on how conversations around mental health have evolved: “When I began sharing short videos during the pandemic, something changed. People started having conversations they weren’t ready for before.”

Book signing and SIBF highlights

The session ended with a signing of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? as attendees lined up to meet the author. The talk was among many thought-provoking sessions at this year’s SIBF, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’, running until November 16.