Untying the Chains: Mental Wellness

Saadia Z. Yunus, MA, MFTApril 12-14, 2013

The strongest chains are not always visible…

What comes to mind?Depression

FamilyAnxietyPeace

MarriageStressAnger

Happiness

Why care about mental health?On 31st of July 2012, a study based on large-

scale population was published in the British Medical Journal: people who suffer from mental health problems have shorter life span

People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their emotions and their behavior

The mind and the body are linked. When you improve your physical health, you’ll automatically experience greater mental and emotional well-being and vice versa

Muslim Mental Health Stats  The rate of schizophrenia in Muslims is similar to that of

non-Muslims. Higher rates of depression in women versus men - as

seen in U.S. populations -are also seen in Muslim populations. 

Anxiety disorders seem to be as prevalent in Muslims as in non-Muslims; high rates of PTSD were found in both Muslim men and women facing post-9/11-related trauma and discrimination (Abu-Ras & Abu-Bader, in press).

While Muslim youth may be at higher risk for anxiety and depression (Al-Hinai, 2006), religiosity appears to be a protective factor (Vasegh & Mohammadi, 2007).    

The Prophet (S), the TherapistA man asked the Prophet (S)

to make zina lawful for himHe did not have one answer

for every questionPaid attention to people,

considered their psychology, and articulated his counseling in a way that would help them specifically

Ability to empathize with people; Non-judgmental

Get rid of the stigma! It is OKAY to go to therapy

IndividualIndividuals don’t exist! Pizza slicesDepression vs. sadness; anxiety vs. worryPositive thinking; positive self-talkCLOSE YOUR EYES! Inner voiceDetecting a problemSolutions to individual

problems

FamilyIndividuals exist within relationshipsFamily roles: Husband, wife, mother, father,

daughter, son, sister, brother; HierarchyBoundaries: Rigid Vs. Diffuse: How close are

you?The BEST thing you can do for your kids is

LOVE your spousePositivity Vs. Criticism: Where’s the support?Problems within the familySolutions for problems within the family

Society

“If we do not teach our children, society will. And they—and we—will live with the results.” (ex. Sex education, puberty, adolescence, etc.) –Sean Covey

Friends, television, online, social networks, cell phones, texting, etc.

Expectations, wants, needs, desires—CONFUSION!

Identity crisis… WHO am I?!

7 Habits of Highly Effective People- Steven R. Covey

1. Be proactive (not reactive)2. Begin with the end in mind3. Put first things first4. Think “Win-Win”5. Seek first to understand6. Synergize (the whole is

greater than the sum of its parts)

7. Sharpen the saw

Stress Reducing Exercises: And……. ACTION!Deep breathingAttitude of gratitude Tense to relaxVisualize successSmile!

-Dr. Fred Luskin

The End: Resources & QAResources:

Books: Stress Free for Good –Dr. Fred Luskin & Dr.

Kenneth R. Pelletier The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families --Stephen

R. Covey The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work --Dr.

John Gottman

THERAPISTS!: www.therapistlocator.net Online Islamic University counseling