Monica is from the West Midlands and is currently working in higher education. A nature lover, bookworm extraordinaire, and in hot pursuit of the white rabbit!
Our bodies have been given to us as a trust (amanah) by our Lord; each one of us is responsible for taking care of our well-being: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental.
Mental health, in particular, is quite a complex area for more reasons than one, but it is nonetheless something that affects every person in one way or another.
Although there has been some progress in recent years, and mental health is increasingly becoming a hot topic in the world today, in some circles, it is still regarded as a taboo subject or carries negative connotations when brought up.
It is also an area that is often overlooked or neglected, where a (metaphorical) inadequate dressing or bandage is applied, covering it up, ignoring it, hoping it will get better, and not giving it much thought, if any.
It is somewhat like the elephant in the room: no one can see it, so it is as if it does not exist and requires no attention. It is like an invisible wound.
It is real, it does exist, and it is important.
The process of tackling and addressing our mental health issues requires a healthy level of honesty and courage; we need to learn to accept, understand, and take the rightful steps to help and heal ourselves.
If we do not address the issues and take the relevant action needed, we run the risk of not just negative impacts on ourselves and our relationships with loved ones, but also on our professional lives and, more importantly, our relationship with Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) does not intend for us to struggle or to be ignorant and passive in our lives. Subhan’Allah.
“Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Qur’an 2:185)
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Qur’an 13:11)
The issue of intergenerational or transgenerational mental health is a significant concept.
Within this, we can take our beloved prophets as examples (may Allah’s blessings be upon them all), as it would be fair to say that they experienced intense levels of mental health challenges: depression, grief and loss, post-trauma caused by abuse and alienation, as well as anxiety. This is evident in the cases of our beloved prophets Muhammad, Yusuf, and Musa (may Allah’s blessings be upon them all). They too felt the repercussions of transgenerational mental health within their families and communities.
Furthermore, this can remind us or highlight to us the harmful effects of transgenerational issues, and how unhelpful or unhealthy cycles can be repeated over and over again if they are not identified and remedied.
Of course, we should look to the beautiful Qur’an as our ultimate guide for all worldly affairs, as it contains teachings for all circumstances.
When it comes to mental health struggles, it may be necessary to seek out medical or psychological help. As previously mentioned, there are fantastic resources at our disposal. Alhamdulillah, Allah (SWT) has blessed us in many ways.
We may wish to speak to our loved ones and have the tough conversations to help us understand one another and be supportive. Consulting with doctors and/or Muslim therapists is a route we may also want to consider. Of course, there are many other actions for our mental health that may help us, such as getting active and being outdoors, exercising, eating well, and pursuing our hobbies and interests. All of this can help to foster a sense of sisterhood, Insha’Allah.
Solace also offers a 1:1 support service and psychotherapy service tailored for revert women experiencing loneliness, depression, or isolation.
We must strive, believe that we can, and have the courage, honesty, and integrity to delve within and do the work required so we can work towards being the truest version of ourselves, as Allah (SWT) created us. We must do this for the sake of ourselves, our loved ones, and, most importantly, for the sake of Allah (SWT) and our love for Him.
May The Almighty, The Most Merciful, The Most Loving, help us all, facilitate for us, and grant us afiya (well-being) in all parts of our lives. Ameen.
