Have you ever felt like you were not able to do anything right? Has it occurred to you that nothing is going to work out? Have you ever felt like giving up on everything? If so, there is no need to worry as these are common phenomena, and rest assured, there is a way out of them.
In this day and age, it is pretty common to go through such things, and in some Islamic cultures, it is considered taboo to talk about such problems. But through all that, it is time we prioritize our mental health.Â
In this blog, we shall cover in detail the areas that constitute Muslim mental health and how can we improve mental health.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is defined as the proper functioning of your life’s social, psychological, and emotional aspects. If you are lacking in even one of these, consider your approach towards life.
For instance, though everything is going fine, you are having a hard time going out and meeting new people; your social aspect could be under question. Mental health, in short, constitutes everything, from what we feel to how we act.
Mental health issues are a broad topic that is impossible to express in a few paragraphs. Here, we shall cover the major disorders that are most prevalent in current day and age. Anxiety, depression, and stress are the common mental health issues being faced.
Stress is our body’s natural response to external threats or pressure. It triggers a ‘Fight or flight’ response, motivating you to do something. It can be a good thing as it helps you work toward getting something done.
However, it can be equally dangerous if you are consistently prone to it. It can cause problems like persistent stress, headaches, insomnia, or even high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is necessary to regulate it through regular exercise, proper sleep, and mindfulness.
Anxiety is a state of worry that does not always have a clear cause. Many people experience symptoms like a racing heart, trembling, or a dry mouth when anxiety happens. Anxiety is further categorized into different disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Specific Phobias, etc.
Depression can be understood as a feeling of deep sadness and hopelessness. It can affect our daily life, making it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy activities. Depression can be caused by various factors, including stress, loss, or even chemical imbalances in the brain.
All these disorders are usually interconnected, and the existence of one disorder leads to the development of the other. For instance, constant stress can lead to depression, anxiety, or even both.
While considering mental health, Islam puts a great emphasis on Qalb (heart). So, instead of focusing on the mind, it tells us how your heart needs to be in the right place for psychological and mental well-being.Â
It gives us a safe space to focus on our inner strength. It suggests having a close relationship with Allah to calm our hearts. It reminds us how calm hearts will always be free of all these problems.
Quran and mental health go hand in hand and patience is highly rated in Quran Islam. The Quran speaks of patience in many verses. This quality helps us move forward during tough times. It teaches us to focus on our goals despite challenges.
Islam also explains ideas like the evil eye and spiritual possession. The belief in the evil eye warns us against envy. The idea of jinn possession helps some understand their inner struggles. These concepts give a cultural context to our challenges.
Allah says in the Quran that He provides help from sources we cannot imagine. Moreover, he also assures us in Surah Ad-duhaa that we should not think He has abandoned us. These and many more verses indicate that we must be patient in the face of adversity, and help will arrive.
Islamic counseling and therapy combine modern therapy with spiritual guidance. It closely considers your religion and traditions to guide you in the best way possible. It can utilize practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tailored for Muslim clients.
The best part about Islamic psychology is that it primarily focuses on the heart, not the mind. So, it guides you to keep your heart clean and avoid foul activities that will stain your heart. By cleansing the heart, you get a spiritually healthy lifestyle, leading to better psychological and mental health.
Islamic counseling helps you apply Quranic understanding and Hadith teachings to your healing process. It strictly follows what Islam says about mental health and takes a holistic approach to restore harmony to your mind, body, and soul.
At times, it is beneficial to reflect upon oneself. Islamic counseling offers guidance that considers your religious identity but addresses clinical necessities. To get a better understanding, you may join our course on Islamic Psychology and Counseling and be a part of a vibrant community.
Islam or Islamic psychology offers a holistic approach to mental health. It teaches us that our health is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual.
Whereas self-reflection is beneficial, professional help can sometimes be needed. Islamic counseling combines the teachings of the Quran and Hadith with modern therapy. This combination has the potential to provide true healing.
Spiritual resilience in Islam enables one to overcome adversity with trust in Allah, patience (sabr), and inner spiritual connection. It helps with stress, supports positive coping strategies, and enhances mental health.
The Quran and mental health have a close relationship. It emphasizes the development of mental well-being through remembrance (dhikr), prayer, and thankfulness. It teaches that every adversity has relief (Quran 94:5‑6) and encourages reliance on Allah’s plan, fostering hope and resilience in adversity.
Following are some of the misconceptions in Muslim communities about mental health:
We are here to guide you toward healing, peace, and understanding through the wisdom of Islam. Â
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