Why young Muslims feel isolated with their mental health?

Today I listened to a panel of young Muslims talking about their experiences with mental health support and lack of it.

Many young Muslims in Britain are from South Asian backgrounds whose parents have expectations and lack knowledge about what it's like being a young person in this day and age. They feel they are isolated and carry the burden and responsibility of their own mental health with no-one to turn to.

"It makes you want to give up."

They often do not want to talk to GP's, worried about privacy and long waiting lists.

They feel uncomfortable talking to a white, British therapist because of the cultural gap.

"White therapists will not understand why my prayers are important to me, why what my parents think is so important for me and why I care what Allah thinks about me."

There are also often long term issues within families that are forbidden to discuss outside the family. This can include sexual abuse. Going to their Imam is not usually an option or to the local community for fear of gossip. Mental health disorders are called Jinn possession and a lack of Iman is mentioned. When some of these young people have gone through some very difficult experiences, it is a lot more complex and takes professional help and support.

If they try and seek private therapy, the costs are too expensive. This is why Halima Muslima hopes to seek funding inshAllah for low cost/free therapy sessions with Islamic based counsellors and therapists. Please donate to the Halima Muslima fund to support Muslim ladies and young people.