1. Mental Health & Role of Islam
Nivein Behairy
Muslim Family Foundation Symposium
April 2018

2. Islamic Perspective on Mental Health Issues
Islam inherently recognizes mental health challenges
Examples:
Allah references people who are insane in the Quran. He says: do not give the insane your property, which Allah has made a means of support for you, but feed and clothe them therewith and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
The Prophet (pbuh) referenced anxiety and depression in one of his duaas.
He (pbuh) also said: There is no disease that Allah has created except that He has also created its remedy.
(Bukhari 7:582)

3. Islamic Tradition of Mental Health
During the Golden Era of Islamic civilization, Islamic scholars discussed the concept of psychology, psychiatry, psychotherapy, and their relationship to mental health.
A thousand years ago, Muslim were leading frontiers in medicine and used innovations and different therapeutic techniques that are NOW considered modern.

4. Muslim Mental Health Pioneers
Al-Balkhi ( AD):
Pioneer of psychotherapy, psychophysiology, and psychosomatic medicine.
Book: Sustenance for Body and Soul is 1st book to discuss psychosomatic diseases with an emphasis on body and soul.
Al-Razi ( ):
Founded the world’s 1st psychiatric hospital.
Recognized that mental illness was a medical condition that should be treated with drugs and psychotherapy
Ibn-Sina ( ):
Pioneer of Neuropsychiatry.
Book: Cannon of Medicine identifies and describes treatment for epilepsy, depression, insomnia, mania.
Imam Ghazali ( ):
Defines the SELF in terms of (1) Heart (qalb), (2) Spirit (ruh),
(3) Soul (nafs), and (4) Aql.

5. Why is it a question of Faith when dealing with mental health challenges????
Why do we value the physical quality of our children’s lives more than the mental quality?
Why do we fail to acknowledge that the mind is allowed to face challenges just as much as the body is?
Why do we refuse to accept that faith is only one aspect of life?

6. FACTS About online activities
92% of teens go online daily. Social media satisfies the need they have to belong.
Young people go to great lengths to present themselves in the best light online selfies! Yikes!!
27.4% of teens has experienced bullying. 21% were found to be at risk of depression.
Social media use is impacts many aspects of well-being in teens. Heavy use, especially at night results in:
Poorer sleep quality
Lower self esteem
More anxiety
Higher levels of depression

7. Challenges our Children Face
Struggles
Consequences
Identity crisis
Sexual abuse
Drug abuse
Domestic violence
Parenting assault
Eating disorders
Bullying
Depression
Low self-esteem
Anxiety
Obsessive/compulsive behavior
Drug and alcohol use
Self harm
Promiscuous behavior
Suicide

8. SUICIDE FACTS Suicide is the top cause of death amongst teens
Every 15 minutes there is a depression-related suicide in America. MUSLIMS are part of America!
CDC FACTS regarding teens:
17% considered the idea of suicide
13.6% made a plan to commit
8% attempted suicide one or more times
2.7% attempted suicide and had to be treated.

9. Know the SIGNS IS OUR CHILD: Experiencing changes in sleep patterns
Lacking interest
Becoming isolated
Lacking energy
Increasingly irritable
Becoming secretive
Losing appetite
Feeling excessively sad or low
Having extreme mood changes
Avoiding friends and social activities
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Complaining of many physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches)
Changes in school performance
Hyperactive behavior
Frequent nightmares

10. Eat Dinner as a FAMILY
Children who eat dinner with their families are 20% less likely to drink, smoke, or use illegal drugs.
Teens who eat dinner with their families are at lower risk for:
thoughts of suicide and depressive symptoms
are emotionally stronger and have better mental health
Teens who have or more family dinners per week are twice as likely to report receiving mostly A’s and B’s at school.
Children who eat with their families are more likely to eat healthier foods and more balanced meals (body-mind connection!)
Family dining improves communication and family connections.

11. WHAT ELSE CAN WE DO…..
Learn to say: “I LOVE YOU”! It builds self esteem.
Be involved. When they are in their room, find out Why??
Beyond the “its fine”, are we asking about school?
Go to your child’s sports events. Be involved in school and in after school programs

12. WE ARE THE AGENTS FOR CHANGE
If our child is in need of mental healthcare, HELP is here.
No one/family should suffer in silence.
There is NO SHAME in struggling with mental health.
Shame thrives on secrecy!!!!
Don’t wait until things reach a crisis
If you want to make a difference in your community:
Get training on mental health and know its signs
Have a list of resources available in your masjid
Invite psychologists and social workers to give talks at your Islamic center
Have khutbahs on mental wellbeing
Share your knowledge

13. Conclusion PLEASE REMEMBER: Our child’s perception is THEIR reality.
Listen without judging, interpreting, advising, or evaluating- don’t be quick to respond.
Restate to them what you heard so they know you understood what they were saying. They NEED to feel validated in how they are feeling.
Have compassion and see the person and NOT the illness.
SEEK help for those you love. It's the best thing you will ever do.
Remember: children want our acceptance. Love them. Be Kind to them.
BE BRAVE & DON’T WAIT UNTIL ITS TOO LATE