How Therapy for Muslim Women in the UK Can Make a Difference
Therapy for Muslim women in the UK is crucial to help countless women suffering in silence. Due to the stigma attached to mental health and the cultural expectations for a woman to carry on despite numerous challenges, many women cannot reach out to their families and friends. In this case, therapy can play a vital role in providing the support and understanding needed to navigate these complex feelings and struggles. The Maryam Support Line helps provide the support and understanding needed by offering a safe haven for those who just want a listening ear. The advisors offer a non-judgmental, confidential ear and a safe space so that women know they have someone to reach out to.
If you are struggling with your mental health, book a free call with us today.
Understanding the Unique Challenges
Cultural and Religious Stigmas
Muslim women in the UK often face significant cultural and religious stigmas surrounding mental health, creating substantial barriers to seeking help. In many Muslim communities, mental health issues are frequently misunderstood or dismissed, leading to reluctance to engage with therapeutic services. For instance, Pakistani women might fear being judged or ostracized by their families and communities for seeking mental health support, while African Muslim women may encounter similar stigmas compounded by additional layers of perceived racial prejudice.
Intersectionality
Other challenges include a unique blend of racism, sexism, and Islamophobia, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and distress.
Family and Community Expectations
Family and community expectations further intensify these pressures. Many Muslim women are expected to uphold traditional roles and maintain family honour, leading to immense feelings of stress and anxiety. Balancing these expectations with personal aspirations and well-being becomes a difficult task, highlighting the crucial need for culturally sensitive mental health support.
By suppressing their mental health struggles, women often experience chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, which take a toll on their physical and mental health. For example, women from South Asian or African backgrounds develop physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or chronic fatigue due to untreated stress and anxiety. This suppression can lead to strained relationships with others and a decreased quality of life over time.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, please book a free call with us for support.
Benefits of Therapy
Being able to access therapy means that countless Muslim women can feel they have someone who will listen to their problems. Some women have been fortunate enough to join Facebook communities to seek help and support from other females; however, others are too frightened to reach out as they have family members monitoring them. Having an independent service, such as the Maryam Support Line, that they can reach out to would make a world of difference to their mental health.
Many times, Muslim women may have toxic or abusive partners, but it may surprise you to realize that sometimes the problem extends beyond their partner. Problematic in-laws can also play an important role in destroying a woman’s mental health. There have been horror stories of in-laws who have made their daughters-in-law's lives hell by trying to control every action in the household.
Additionally, women may have strained relationships with parents or their children, but they try to patiently bear it out. In this case, therapy can help women assert their boundaries and gain confidence in their interactions with in-laws and family members. It can provide them with the tools needed to negotiate familial expectations while prioritizing their mental well-being.
If you need someone to talk to about your challenges, book a free call with us today.
Islamic Perspectives on Mental Health and Therapy
Islam categorically promotes mental well-being. People often get confused when it says that all faith should be in Allah, which is completely true, but we are also asked to seek help and medication when we are in pain or ill. This is where the famous "tie your camel" hadith comes in. Islam emphasizes relying on Allah while also preserving your mental well-being and seeking help when needed. The preservation of one's mind, body, and soul is important, and this includes addressing mental health issues.
The Quran and Hadith offer numerous examples highlighting the significance of mental health. For instance, the Quran encourages believers to find solace in prayer and remembrance of Allah, as stated in Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28): "Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." This verse underscores the importance of mental peace and tranquility, aligning well with the principles of therapy that aim to promote mental well-being.
Additionally, seeking knowledge and advice is highly valued in Islam, as reflected in the Hadith where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The cure for ignorance is inquiry" (Sunan Abi Dawood). This Hadith encourages Muslims to ask questions, seek understanding and assistance, which also extends to seeking professional help for mental health issues.
Religious leaders, such as imams and scholars, play a crucial role in promoting mental health awareness within Muslim communities. Their endorsement of therapy can significantly reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek the help they need. Many imams have started to incorporate mental health discussions into their sermons and community programs, highlighting that seeking therapy is not only acceptable but also encouraged within Islam. For example, the Islamic perspective on shura (consultation) supports the idea of seeking advice and counsel from knowledgeable individuals, including mental health professionals.
If you are struggling with your mental health, book a free call with us today.
Duas for Mental Well-Being and Istighfar
Islamic teachings provide numerous supplications (duas) and practices such as istighfar (seeking forgiveness) that can greatly enhance mental well-being. Seeking help from Allah and asking for forgiveness constantly has shown so many benefits to Muslims. Allah is always listening to us. Here are some duas to help you get started.
1. Seeking Peace and Tranquillity
Dua: "Allahumma inni as’aluka nafsan mutma’innah, tu’minu bi liqaa’ika wa tarda bi qadaa’ika wa taqna’u bi ‘ataa’ika" (O Allah, I ask You for a soul that is content with meeting You, satisfied with Your decree, and content with what You have given).
"اللهم إني أسألك نفساً مطمئنة تؤمن بلقائك وترضى بقضائك وتقنع بعطائك".
This dua seeks inner peace and contentment, essential elements for mental health.
2. Relief from Anxiety and Sorrow
Dua: "Allahumma inni a’udhu bika min al-hammi wal-huzni wal-‘ajzi wal-kasali wal-bukhli wal-jubni wa dala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijal" (O Allah, I seek refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men).
"اللهم إني أعوذ بك من الهم والحزن والعجز والكسل والبخل والجبن وضلع الدين وغلبة الرجال".
This supplication addresses anxiety and stress, promoting mental resilience.
3. Healing and Recovery
Dua: "As’alullahu al-‘azim rabbal ‘arshil ‘azim an yashfiyak" (I ask Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you).
"أسأل الله العظيم رب العرش العظيم أن يشفيك".
A powerful prayer for healing, beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues.
4. Guidance and Strength
Dua: "Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika wa rahmatika fa innahu la yamlikuha illa anta" (O Allah, I ask You from Your favor and mercy, for none possesses them except You).
"اللهم إني أسألك من فضلك ورحمتك فإنه لا يملكها إلا أنت".
This dua seeks divine guidance and strength, crucial for mental fortitude.
5. Forgiveness and Mercy
Istighfar: "Astaghfirullaha rabbi min kulli dhambin wa atubu ilayh" (I seek forgiveness from Allah, my Lord, for every sin I committed, and I turn to Him in repentance).
"أستغفر الله ربي من كل ذنب وأتوب إليه".
Regular practice of istighfar cleanses the heart and mind, fostering mental clarity and peace.
6. Protection and Safety
Dua: "Bismillahi alladhi la yadurru ma’ ismihi shay’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i wa huwas-sami’ul-‘alim" (In the name of Allah with whose name nothing is harmed on earth nor in the heavens and He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing).
"بسم الله الذي لا يضر مع اسمه شيء في الأرض ولا في السماء وهو السميع العليم".
This supplication seeks protection from harm, which can alleviate fear and anxiety.
7. Patience and Endurance
Dua: "Rabbana afrigh ‘alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna ‘ala al-qawmil kafirin" (Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people).
"ربنا أفرغ علينا صبراً وثبت أقدامنا وانصرنا على القوم الكافرين".
This dua encourages patience and steadfastness, vital qualities for enduring mental struggles.
Conclusion
Therapy for Muslim women in the UK is incredibly important. By combining therapy with Islamic teachings, we can offer a comprehensive approach to mental well-being.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by Muslim women and integrating both therapeutic and spiritual resources can foster a holistic environment that promotes mental health and resilience. This dual approach not only helps address mental health issues but also ensures that the solutions are culturally and religiously sensitive, leading to a more effective and sustainable impact on the well-being of Muslim women.
The Maryam Support Line seeks to help Muslim women by being a non-judgmental listening ear, that friend who is always there when you need them.
Feel free to book a session with us—no worry is too small for us.