Blog Post #9: What’s Wrong With Me? : Understanding the Role of Mental Health in Islam By: Maryam Yousuf, LPC Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, wherein we celebrate the infinite blessings of this month with our loved ones and express our gratitude to Allah (SWT). As we engage in hugs and smiles to commemorate the joyous time, we also recognize the release of the shayateen (devils) which can inevitably start what many refer to Read more…
*Disclaimer: Project Taqwa has previously put out a statement affirming our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to be free from occupation. Project Taqwa recognizes that we do not speak from or for the Palestinian narrative, but rather raise our voice in solidarity for humanity. As a team of Muslim individuals, Project Taqwa recognizes our responsibility of having a voice in the community, and uses it to advocate for justice. May Allah (SWT) grant freedom to Palestine, Ameen.
*Disclaimer: Project Taqwa has previously put out a statement affirming our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to be free from occupation. Project Taqwa recognizes that we do not speak from or for the Palestinian narrative, but rather raise our voice in solidarity for humanity. As a team of Muslim individuals, Project Taqwa recognizes our responsibility of having a voice in the community, and uses it to advocate for justice. May Allah (SWT) grant freedom to Palestine, Ameen.
*Disclaimer: Project Taqwa has previously put out a statement affirming our unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to be free from occupation. Project Taqwa recognizes that we do not speak from or for the Palestinian narrative, but rather raise our voice in solidarity for humanity. As a team of Muslim individuals, Project Taqwa recognizes our responsibility of having a voice in the community, and uses it to advocate for justice. May Allah (SWT) grant freedom to Palestine, Ameen.
There’s something about the rush we get when we see a notification pop up on our phone, or the way we quickly turn our heads every time we hear the phone go off. It’s a developed need to immediately check and see what we received. Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, and many other platforms are how we keep up with the world. Or is it? Social media is exactly what we make of it. For those who use it to learn, grow, and become better individuals, it can serve as a blessing. For others who mindlessly scroll for hours, compare themselves to others and search for a way to make themselves appear in a better way, it can be an endless black hole. As the Muslim youth and young adults become more avid users of these platforms, the more mental health concerns have increased as a result. Some of these examples include low self-esteem, jealousy, envy, increased anxiety, cyberbullying, and feelings of worthlessness. With no way for us to monitor what our youth are consuming, it has become more critical for us to gain knowledge on how to manage social media, and become aware of its potential effects.
The joyous month of Ramadan is almost here! We begin by thanking Allah (SWT) for allowing us to reach this month and pray to experience a fruitful Ramadan this year. For many of us, we associate this month with spending more time doing that which pleases Allah (SWT). This can look like increased forms of worship or ibaadah, such as performing salaat (prayer), making dua (supplication), giving charity, and fasting from dawn to dusk for the month. Ramadan is a time that brings families and communities together as they engage in their fasts and taraweeh (night prayers). However, it is critical to understand getting ready for Ramadan is a process. Similar to training for a marathon, Ramadan requires a significant amount of preparation. This article will provide insight and tips to help your mind, body, and soul use this time to rejuvenate and gain closeness to our Creator.
Dear little me,
I’m not sure where to start. I guess I’ll begin with the four things I really need you to know. I love you, I’m sorry, I forgive you, and thank you. That might not make too much sense right now, but you needed to hear that. Look, life is… a lot. And you’re, well, little. You have everything you need to make it through whatever comes your way, but it may not always be easy. Know this, that you are so strong, brave, and beautiful. I see you; I feel you, and I hear you. You are safe with me; you can trust me. It’s okay to be scared and anxious and fearful. Know that I will protect you. Know that Allah (SWT) will protect you, that He Loves you. That’s all I have for now; I’ll talk to you soon.
Love,
Me
“Black and gold balloons flying around. Glitters and sequins and sparkles everywhere. Loud music blaring, dysfunctional dancing, and heartbroken people chugging their yearly regrets away in a bar. Not to mention, the random explosions of fireworks that keep us up throughout the night. Sound familiar this time of year? A surprising number of movies with a New Year’s scene tend to have some of these elements, and chances are, many of us have been conditioned to think of these things when someone mentions a New Year’s party. While this way of celebrating a New Year is impermissible, there are plenty of permissible ways for us to navigate this time. More importantly, this time grants us a space for self-reflection, new habits, and a more content version of us.”
“I’m sitting on the padded ledge next to the icy windowsill. I pull back the sheer white curtains and unveil a dark afternoon. I glance over at my wall clock. 4 pm. I put the curtain gently back in place. I swing my legs over and watch them dangle, brushing up against the cold, wooden floors. I don’t feel like getting up. I know, the dishes are piling and the laundry must be folded and my assignment isn’t complete. But I just…I don’t want to do anything. I pick up my phone and scroll through people looking so, so happy. They’re dressed up and smiling and celebrating, as if this time is pleasant. But, how come I don’t look like that right now? Is something wrong with me? I don’t have much to be sad about. But I’m not happy either. I just want to sit in my bed with a blanket and a bowl of comfort food, binging a show I’ve seen again and again. And why is the time so strange these days? I feel so tired, but only half of the day has gone by. Wait…did I pray on time? Maybe I’m right, maybe something is wrong with me…”
Each and every one of us are running around in our daily lives trying to fulfill our responsibilities while maintaining some level of sanity so that we can continue doing what needs to be done the next day. Through all of the hustle and bustle of life, with all of the deadlines and items on the to-do list, we can easily get lost in the shuffle. In all that you do in every day, when do you take time out for you? To just sit and breathe and soak in the moment.