From Panic Attacks to Power Moves: The Story of Nana Ghaleb
At just 10 years old, Nana Ghaleb experienced something most children her age couldn’t imagine — her first panic attack. She didn’t know what it was back then, just that the world around her seemed to shift in unfamiliar, unsettling ways. It left a mark on her young mind and shaped how she would see the world moving forward. But rather than letting it define her in a negative way, Nana turned her struggles into a powerful mission: to advocate for mental health and help others who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood.
Fast forward to today, and Nana Ghaleb is not just a content creator, lifestyle blogger, and mental health advocate — she’s a living example of how vulnerability can become strength, and how the darkest moments can lead to some of life’s most meaningful work.
How a Pandemic Sparked a Purpose
Like many young people around the world, Nana found herself isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was her final year of high school, a time usually filled with milestones and memories, but instead, she was confined within four walls. While some struggled to fill the endless hours, Nana picked up a brush and started sharing her digital and traditional artwork online.
What began as a simple creative outlet soon took on a life of its own. Her posts resonated with thousands — and even caught the attention of celebrities. The recognition felt surreal, but more importantly, it reminded her how powerful connection can be, even through a screen. “That feeling of being seen and making others feel seen was so powerful,” Nana recalls.
It wasn’t long before she transitioned from posting artwork to lifestyle blogging, combining her love for fashion, beauty, and mental health awareness. Through every post and caption, Nana made sure to keep it real, using her platform to show both the highlights and the hard times.
Creating a Space for Real Conversations
While social media can often feel like a highlight reel of perfect pictures and curated lives, Nana wanted her platform to be different. Dealing with panic disorder and anxiety from a young age taught her how isolating mental health struggles can be — especially in a world obsessed with perfection.
“I’ve always tried to remind people that behind the filtered images are real emotions and struggles,” she says. Even in the beauty and lifestyle space, which often focuses on flawless aesthetics, Nana’s honesty stands out. She openly shares about her mental health challenges, medication side effects, and the realities of balancing multiple roles — from content creator to cancer research student.
Her followers appreciate this openness. For many, Nana’s page has become a safe corner on the internet, where it’s okay to be imperfect, vulnerable, and human.
Balancing Science, Creativity, and Mental Health Advocacy
What makes Nana Ghaleb’s story even more fascinating is her parallel academic journey. While many see her gorgeous lifestyle content on Instagram and TikTok, few realize she’s also a passionate scientist, currently pursuing a Master’s degree in molecular biology and working towards a PhD in oncology.
To some, it might seem like an unusual mix: beauty content and cancer research. But for Nana, the two worlds are surprisingly connected. Both are about reaching people, solving problems, and making a difference. “The industry I’m in fits me because it lets me be creative, vulnerable, scientific, and human all at once,” she explains.
Encouraged by her followers’ interest, Nana is now exploring ways to merge these two sides of her life online. She plans to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her lab work, what it’s like to study molecular biology, and the emotional ups and downs of cancer research. Her goal is to make science feel accessible and relatable, just like she does with mental health.
Overcoming the Dark Side of Social Media
Like many creators, Nana’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Early on, she faced accusations of faking her artwork — a deeply personal blow for someone whose art was an honest expression of her feelings. Negative comments and harsh DMs, though rare, still find their way to her inbox.
“It’s hard when people feel entitled to judge or comment on your life when they only see fragments,” she admits. But instead of letting the negativity silence her, Nana has used it as fuel to stay grounded and committed to authenticity.
She’s learned valuable lessons about boundaries, protecting her energy, and recognizing that not everyone online has good intentions. “Kindness is everything to me, but I’ve also learned when to set boundaries and protect my space,” she adds.
The People Who Keep Her Grounded
Through all the ups and downs, Nana credits her inner circle for keeping her grounded. Her mother has been her anchor through every panic attack, creative breakthrough, and academic hurdle — offering love that is both fierce and steady. Her siblings and extended family, with their unwavering faith in her, are a constant source of strength and laughter. Her closest friends walk beside her through the darkest days and brightest moments, reminding her of who she is when she forgets.
An especially meaningful presence in her life is Dr. Zeina Dassouki, an exceptional oncology researcher and mentor who has quietly become one of the most important people in Nana’s journey. “Her support keeps me going both academically and personally,” Nana says. “She’s brilliant, deeply compassionate, and so underrated — her strength and dedication to science and people move me more than she probably knows.”
It’s these relationships — the ones that show up, hold space, and never stop rooting for her — that remind Nana why it’s so vital to surround yourself with people who see your light, even when it’s dim.
Using Her Voice to Break Beauty Standards
Another deeply personal topic Nana reflects on is body image. Since starting medication for anxiety, she’s experienced physical changes — a natural part of healing that, unfortunately, hasn’t escaped online scrutiny. “What stings is when people make assumptions or comments without understanding the context — like the effects of certain medications,” she shares.
Though it hasn’t been her most difficult challenge, it’s one she feels ready to speak about more openly. Her aim is to push back against rigid beauty ideals and encourage a more compassionate, inclusive mindset. “I don’t fit every conventional beauty standard, and I’m learning that’s more than okay. Beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s layered, personal, and powerful in its own way.”
The Real Reason She Keeps Showing Up
When asked about her biggest achievement, Nana doesn’t mention a follower count or a viral post. Instead, she highlights the private messages she receives — a simple “Thank you for sharing this,” or “You made me feel less alone.”
“No amount of recognition could compare to knowing that something I created actually reached someone in a real way,” she says. These moments fuel her mission: to be the voice she once needed, and to create a digital space that feels soft, safe, and honest.
A Future Built on Authenticity and Advocacy
Looking ahead, Nana is excited about sharing even more personal mental health content — not just awareness posts, but raw, honest stories about living with panic disorder. She’s also eager to merge her scientific work with her online presence, demystifying what it means to work in a lab and study cancer at a molecular level.
Her long-term goal is clear: to bridge the gap between science, advocacy, and real-life experiences, while reminding people that social media can be a place for both beauty and truth.
Words of Advice for the Next Generation
If she could speak to her younger self — or to anyone just starting out — Nana’s advice would be simple but powerful: “It’s okay to mess up. It’s okay to start over. It’s okay to change niches and explore different parts of yourself.”
She encourages young creators to live unapologetically and pursue what makes them feel alive. “Not everyone will like what you do, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is that you do it for yourself first.”
Leaving a Legacy of Kindness and Realness
As Nana Ghaleb continues to grow her platform, her mission remains unchanged: to be remembered as someone who was genuinely kind, both in words and actions. She hopes to inspire others to embrace their imperfections, set boundaries, and chase whatever lights them up — regardless of societal expectations.
Because at the end of the day, what matters isn’t a flawless feed or viral video. It’s the honest, human connections we make along the way. Do follow her on Instagram.
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