Every year, one in four people will experience some sort of a mental health problem.
But hundreds of thousands of people are still struggling to get the support they need. Still unable to access the services that could change their life. Still facing prejudice and misunderstanding.
We must all make an effort to treat people with mental illnesses with sympathy and encouragement, just as we do people who have other illnesses.
What is mental illness?
In times of stress, it is natural to feel down or upset, sometimes this can become serious and turn into an illness. Mental illness is any illness of the mind. It can affect how you think, how you feel and how you behave. Mental illness can affect anybody.
What is it like to have a mental illness?
You may feel sad, worried or scared. You may start to believe unusual things and have unusual experiences. You may find it hard to think clearly and you may do things you would not normally do. Your work or studies may suffer and you may feel alone.
Is mental illness real or just imagined?
We know that these illnesses are real illnesses – just like physical illnesses such as diabetes. They are caused by actual changes in the way the brain works. They can run in families and can be caused by stress. Therefore it is very important that people seek medical help for these problems. If someone is having these experiences, it is important for them to see a doctor.
What if my problem is caused by Jinn possession or Evil Eye?
However people can sometimes mistake mental illness for Jinn possession or Evil Eye. So, even if you feel that you may be possessed or cursed, it is important that you see a doctor to find out if you have a mental illness.
What will the doctor do?
First the doctor will talk to you about your problem to find out if you have a mental illness. The doctor may offer you treatment, or may ask you to see a specialist who is an expert in treating mental illness.
What treatments are available?
• Medications prescribed by the doctor or psychiatrist.
• Talking therapies (talking to an expert about your problems in detail).
• Help with your social situation (housing, finances etc.)
Isn’t prayer enough to cure this illness?
Allah Most High says, “Truly, it is by the Remembrance of Allah that hearts find rest.” [Qur’an, 13.28]
We know that Spirituality, Prayer and Belief is an important aspect in everyones life. There is evidence to show that spirituality that includes Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) has a positive impact on peoples hearts and minds.
Prayer is very important, but since we know that these problems are caused by an illness, it is important to seek help from a doctor for the problem in addition to prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
Narrated in Muslim by Jaabir (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“For every illness there is a cure. When the cure of the illness is found then he is cured with the order of Allah.” i.e. Allah is the one who cures.
