What is Mental Health? Why does the term cause us to think of all dark and gory things like drugs, illness, etc.? Why do we associate it with strangers and people across the globe? Why are we embarrassed to acknowledge that we or someone close to us may also have issues with mental health? Why do we say it will get better with more sleep or more Imaan?
Mental health is not given the same importance as physical health. It is considered as a taboo or a sign of weakness. Even those connected to the patient are stigmatized. In the Muslim community, there are many who consider it as a sign of weak Imaan or possession by Jinns. However, that is not the case.
The Prophet ( SAW ) laid the foundation of mental health and taught his followers to overcome mental trauma and to have a holistic wellbeing. “Seek treatment, O slaves of Allah! For Allah does not create any disease but He also creates with it the cure, except for old age.” (Ibn Majah 3436)
On the basis of this hadith and other relevant parts of Islamic history, we see that the Prophet (SAW) gave solutions to the problems pertaining to our body and mental health. In the Quran, Allah stresses on the importance of coping with grief. Allah informs us about the various Prophets and the righteous people (peace be upon them) who went through psychological issues. The Prophet (SAW) has prescribed natural medicines along with powerful ayahs from the Noble Quran like Surah Ad-Duha and Surah Al-Sharh.
Prophet Mohammad (SAW) recommended having the Talbinah when sad events happen for its effect on soothing hearts and relieving sadness. The Prophet (SAW) taught Abu salama (r.a) to recite the following dua after losing someone or something. He in turn taught this dua to his wife. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. Allahuma ma-jurni fee musibati, wakluf lee kairam minha”; which translates into, “Verily we belong to Allah and truly to Him shall we return. O Allah! Protect me in this calamity that has befallen me and replace it with something better.
After losing her husband, Umm Salamah was in utmost grief and recited this dua. Allah granted her something better than Abu Salamah i.e. the Prophet (SAW).So how to identify mental illness? Some symptoms are a feeling of constant fatigue not related to daily work, a feeling of loneliness, severe loss, frustration, inner rage and considering oneself incompetent. Sudden silence from a bubbly person or hysterical reactions, inability to take part in daily chores, to focus on one subject at a time, insomnia are also signs to watch out for.
Since the advent of COVID, depression and dullness has been experienced by many. Some could handle it, some could not. Fear, paranoia and frustration have been felt by those who fell ill and who didn’t contract the illness alike. It is important for every human being to learn how to control intense grief, anxiety and depression. When you recognize signs of depression or deep hurt in a person, counsel them or take them to the right counsellor. Don’t preach. A sad person may require space but care should be taken so that his sorrow does not overcome him. Acknowledge the problem and take medication if necessary. As always, there is no purpose in medication if we fail to realize that cure is in Allah’s hands only. Keep or try to keep up the levels of Prayer and Dua. For some, even a small sadness might be too much to bear and for some, they can bear greater loss with sabr. People tend to change over time and so do their tolerance levels. Regulating your life habits, your day to day routine into a healthier one with space for personal time, family time, office or study time and most importantly time with Allah goes a long way in preventing depression from taking over. Remember, just as your body falls ill, your mind can also fall ill. Take the right medicine from the right person and rely on the will of Allah.
Author: Fathima Rashika, Associate, GIO Chennai
Pic. Credits: Google
Date: 05th November, 2021.
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