Event Review - Understanding Mental Health

Bayyina Foundation arranged a public talk for ladies at Masjid-e-Noor (Saunders Rd, Blackburn) on 3rd March to discuss the subject of mental health.

The unique event brought together a team of qualified doctors from the NHS mental health services EIS (Early Intervention Service) and CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and a community worker who discussed the topic from an Islamic perspective. Alhamdulillah, the event was a great success, with approx 30 people packed into the small venue for the morning. It was great to see the masjid used for a real community event outside of the normal prayers, madrassah schooling etc.


The event opened with brief introductions from all participants, and this set the scene for a highly interactive morning. The NHS team, led by Dr Sayeeda Bano asked what people understood by mental health and what issues could give rise to mental health problems. The consensus was that worrying about children, working whilst raising children, or running a household with an unsupportive family were all contributory factors to feeling depressed and anxious.

Depression occurs when a person feels mentally unstable and not in control of the events in their life. The mental balance of the mind becomes disturbed and one feels unable to cope with daily life. Simple daily tasks can become immense burdens. Symptoms may differ from person to person but common signs are changes in diet, low mood, irritability and reduced concentration. People may also experience bodily aches and pains. Anxiety presents differently, in that a person may experience worrying thoughts, tremors, increases in heartbeat and sweating.

However, before any diagnosis of metal illness is made, it is important to ensure that the person is physically well. Certain vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms similar to depression, as can anaemia. Full blood tests should be conducted before a diagnosis of a mental health problem can be confirmed.

Depression and anxiety are illnesses, and like any other illnesses require attention and treatment. One in four people at sometime in their life will experience either depression or anxiety and the statistics show the incidence in women to be twice that in men. Capability to cope varies, and difficult personal circumstances can lead to withdrawal, and a worsening of the condition. Medication can improve the condition, but the opportunity to confide in and discuss the issue is often more effective. Depression can affect people of all age groups irrespective of gender. Help should always be sought, but a sense of shame or weakness may stop someone seeking the help they need. Culturally, it is sad to say that people treat mental illness as a taboo, and sufferers can sometimes be ridiculed and dismissed. Such uneducated attitudes to sufferers can exacerbate the problem.

Another common problem that can lead to mental illness is drug abuse. Cannabis (weed) has a major impact on a person's mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety and psychosis. Psychosis is a serious mental illness in where the person ends up losing touch with reality. He / she may be unable to distinguish between reality and imagination. Hallucinations of the senses and personality changes may occur. The sufferer may feel paranoia, thinking their thoughts are controlled by someone else. This can lead to distress for the patient and the people around them. This condition is more commonly known as schizophrenia.

In Islam, we understand and believe that all things are from the Almighty God, Allah (swt) and we accept them. Everything happens for a reason and it is Allah's planning for us which is better than our own planning. All people undergo hardship of some sort at some stage of their life. Allah (swt) tests those who He loves more. When someone is suffering, they should find comfort in the fact that their sins are being wiped away.

People suffering from depression are sometimes told that they need to pray more or that they aren't good Muslims. That is an incorrect and highly ignorant view. People may be told to 'stop being soft', going on about depression and 'just get on with things'. They may be ridiculed if they say they want to see a doctor. This attitude worsens the condition. Medical intervention may be necessary and works best when coupled with faith and belief. A person is encouraged to seek appropriate medical help as well as pray to Allah (swt) for His Help and Mercy. Patience (sabr) is also important at such times, and the reward for demonstrating patience is immense. The test from Allah (swt) is to see how one deals with the hardships he faces.

In the Quraan, Allah (swt) advises us that hardship is followed by ease. Allah informs us that there is a cure for all illnesses, with the exception of death. There is an ayat in the Qur'an that states 'Truly in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace'. (13:28).

The event proved to be highly informative, and the participants requested that further similar events be held to cater for a gap in addressing such matters. Dialogue is now underway with the NHS team to determine the best way to build upon this first step.



Sameen Hamid