Bell Let’s Talk: Dua Aur Dawa – The Right Combination For A Healthy Mind
Sharing my story for Bell Let’s Talk; the country’s largest corporate commitment to help create a stigma-free Canada
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It was a standard British morning – chilly, quiet, bordering on miserable. I looked out the window – my steaming cup of chai slowly turning cold.
Parents were piling kids into cars for school and dog-walkers looked merry as always – waving at each other and exchanging hurried pleasantries.
Everyone was always in a much better mood – happier, more energetic. Everyone, but me. More often than not, my disconcerted thoughts were consumed by anxiety and unhappiness.
I was only an A levels student; was it normal to feel so badly, so out of place, most of the time? Over the last few years, my struggles had only worsened. I mustered up some courage and decided to confide in a family member. Belonging to a Muslim household, my confession was met with a series of emotions. These ranged from disbelief to complete denial. And after multiple episodes of tears and turmoil, it was suggested that I needed to strengthen my imaan (faith) by praying more.
“Surah Baqarah parho, sub theek ho jayega.” (Recite Surah Baqarah – everything will be fine).
Desperate to feel better, I turned to God. I prayed day in and day out. It strengthened my connection with Allah and helped me through some tough times. However, as comforting as it was, it didn’t eliminate my depression.
This made me angry. I was angry with myself for not feeling better after praying so hard. I felt angry with my faith for not eradicating my lack of happiness. I felt angry with everyone around me – for not understanding what I was going through.
It went on for a few more months until I saw an advert taped to my college noticeboard. It talked about counselling for students struggling with anxious thoughts. That pamphlet was my road to healing and subsequently, a changed life.
Unfortunately, what I struggled with 30 years ago is still prevalent in Islamic and South Asian communities. People are afraid to voice their struggles with mental health, for fear of potential backlash. It carries the same stigma it carried decades ago.
As mentioned by Bell Let’s Talk, a mental illness is similar to a physical affliction.
Communities disregard mental illnesses as a lack of faith in one’s religion. More often than not, we are lectured for not being God fearing enough for our distressed state of mind. It’s almost as if we’re possessed by evil which be exorcised by reciting holy scriptures.
Surely, by that logic, all physical ailments should also be cured through prayer? Why don’t our communities preach the same to patients suffering from chronic back pain or fatal diseases such as cancer? Even something as minor as a cough is treated with medicine.
If an increase in faith was all it took to cure people from travesties, then what is the point of years of research, doctors and advanced treatments? Faith should be the sole answer to putting our minds at ease. We are never asked to hand over our heart condition or diabetes to God, but to seek a doctor. Why is professional help for our mind any different?
Even today, a mental illness is seen as a sign of weakness in South Asian communities. They often entwine it with culture; the demand to never bring shame to a family’s reputation. It can be worse for women – who will marry someone suffering from such an “unspeakable disease”?
Although, as also mentioned by Bell Let’s Talk, a mental illness is similar to a physical affliction. It is often caused by disbalanced neurological chemicals, hormonal imbalances or genetics. However, there are many other contributing factors to poor mental health. These can be physical circumstances (vitamin/mineral deficiencies), social and environmental features (living conditions) or psychological characteristics (traumatic experiences). These conditions cannot be prayed away – they have to be worked upon.
Islam’s entire foundation is built upon compassion – that’s what makes it so beautiful. Yet, the absence of gentleness within communities in matters concerning mental health is the reason behind people suffering in silence.
In 2018, a French Muslim leapt to his death from Khaana Ka’aba (Great Mosque) in Mecca. Many Islamic communities condemned this act, calling it loathsome in God’s eyes. However, it also prompted several Muslims, especially those of South Asian heritage, to voice personal struggles.
That man took his life in the world’s most sacred place for followers of Islam. If religion were the only answer to eliminating pain, there would be no better place for him. Instead, he decided to end his suffering in front of millions of people.
Islam’s entire foundation is built upon compassion – that’s what makes it so beautiful. Yet, the absence of gentleness within communities in matters concerning mental health is the reason behind people suffering in silence. Speaking about it is not the equivalent of weakness or lack of imaan.
I do wonder how different my life would have been, had I not sought therapy all those years ago. I would’ve continued to drown in black waves of depression due to fear of adverse reactions. Battles with mental health are similar to war – we keep fighting until one team wins. And, in order for happiness to prevail, we need both God and a good therapist.
Hi this is.very true and yes there.is guilt whether or.not im.praying hard enough or the right way..why I cant concentrate. How do.we get out of this turmoil. It is.difficult to.speak.out when.it.is.so.hidden nd not seen the same as a physical ailment
Hi Neel! Thanks for sharing your experience. I hear you. Guilt is rough when there’s isn’t support or understanding. It’s not well understood. Wish you the best of health!
Today is Bell, Let’s Talk Day, everyone around us has a mental illness, so let’s Talk about mental illness that effects people who refuse to talk and will not talk at school or any school setting cause there’s something inside of them and we need them to sit and talk of there feelings on why they choose not to talk in school or any school setting. The will talk anywhere, home, restaurant, shopping, etc, but one will not talk is school or any school setting.
Let’s help our individuals by helping one another in our kind words. By showing kindness and compassion and involving them with our friends they will show us how they can talk.
Today, being Bell, Let’s Talk Day, if you see someone all alone, quite, sitting by themselves, go up to them and ask them, Let’s Talk, tell us what’s bothering yourself, maybe I can help you. And, this will give you your kindness to the world at society in large. By doing this, it will help a lot of people with this mental illness.
Thanks, Salima for sharing your feelings on this topic. Talking about it is super important, especially encouraging those who struggle with opening up. Understanding that everyone is unique is also important and considering ways that are best suited to the person is important. You have suggested nice ways to start the discussion with others. Thanks and wish you and your family the best of health.