For the last 10 years (or probably more), I have suffered from some sort of mental illness. In late 2009, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, triggered by seeing someone very close to me die in front of my eyes. I was grieving for many months, and there was not a single day that…
Tag mental health
Transgressing Against Yourself and How to Find Forgiveness Afterwards
This is difficult to write and a sensitive topic to write about, but I do so to connect with any reader who has been through something similar, and for the brokenhearted who choose to sit with their pain sober to get through it (honestly, you’re strong as ever if you choose to confront the pain)….
We Need to Stop Using “Alhamdulillah” to Avoid Discussing Real Life Issues Like Anxiety
As Muslims, we are blessed with a religion that addresses mental health and emotional complexity directly, and with grace and love. Sometimes Alhamdulilah (all thanks be to Allah) is the only word that can sum up the fervor of spiritual gratitude, a word that can say “truly, I’ve been blessed.” However, it doesn’t have to stop…
This is Why It’s Important to End the Muslim Community’s Stigma Around Mental Health Challenges
As Muslims, we rely on God to heal us from our sins, our worldly obsessions, our sicknesses, etc. We believe that God has power over all things and that “verily with hardship comes relief.” As someone with a neuroscience degree, I believe that the brain is the most complex part of the body, and that…
This is Why the Media (and Muslim Community) Shouldn’t Criminalize Azzouz Boutobba’s Death by Suicide at Makkah’s Grand Mosque
Warning: Graphic images may appear in some of the links provided. Viewer discretion is advised. Azzouz Boutobba lost his mother in 2007. According to sources close to his family, he struggled with the loss well into his 20’s. His mother passed away while making her Hajj and was buried there. On June 8, 2018 (his…
What Anthony Bourdain’s Suicide Means for the Muslim Community
A few days ago, we heard about Kate Spade’s death, and then Anthony Bourdain’s suicide took over the news today. The most common line all over social media is a shocked, “But they seemed so happy?” Kate Spade was a fashion icon who launched an empire built on whimsical bags and accessories. The world was…
The Importance of Mental Health in the Muslim Community
Having just graduated with a masters in mental health, I feel like I need to educate those around me about how important it is. Sadly most of us over look issues having to do with our mental health. When we have issues with our physical health we usually go for a check up to our…