Now that we have settled into quarantine life, the toll it has had on many of our mental state has become apparent. Mental health has been one aspect of human mechanism that is constantly undervalued and forgotten about. For too long it has not been seen as something that needs the utmost care and support, especially if a person does suffer from mental illnesses. Being a Doctor of the mind is not seen as the same as a Doctor of Human anatomy, even though both take care and improve our lives. One is seen as a great service, whilst the other is just a high paying job. The constant overlooking of a persons mental state is something I have found very strange, especially amongst South Asian and Muslim communities.
South Asians relation with mental health is a very confusing one. From the outside it may look like something we deeply care about. We are one of the most spiritual people in the world. All of the major religions of that region promote meditation and focuses on improving a person’s mindset. Yoga originated in India. Meditation is a big part of Hinduism and Buddhism. Muslims perform Salah five times a day and carry out Dhikr on a daily basis. All of these helps improve a person’s mindset, separating a person from the outside world and focuses on improving the spiritual side of a person. Nonetheless, even with all spirituality of the region, mental health is still seen as a taboo subject.
The reality is, whilst we do focus on spiritually, the actual conversation of mental health is often shied away from. We don’t formulate the type of relationship with each other to feel comfortable to speak about such a topic. When a person does suffer from a certain mental illness, they are told to simply turn to God, and carry out their religious obligations. However, it is not that simple. In fact, it could have the opposite reaction, making a person spiral deeper, since they’re effectively being told their problem is not of importance, and to deal with it by themselves. Without the correct care and support a person will not improve. Instead of isolating a person, by actually being there by their side and helping, can go a long way to improving a persons situation. Obviously, that is not all that needs to be done.
Over the last decade, we have seen a turn in the attitude towards mental health. People are starting to open up and discuss this ‘taboo’ topic. That is great, but we need to go further. I do feel the discussion is limited to a younger audience. If we can spread that message to the older generations, that can only be a good thing. It will also allow younger people from opening up to their parents. Something many of us don’t do and that is a shame. Our parents do want the best for us and if they fully understood the troubles mental health can have on a person, their attitude will be completely different.
Over the next month, my own community and others around the world are going to feel the effects isolation is having on their mental mindset. Muslims are entering the holy month of Ramadhan, during a turbulent time. People are already in a very precarious position. Although this month is a wonderful and a spiritual time, this year, it is going to be very challenging. People are going to find it hard. Physically, the fast this year should not be that much of a difference. With each year, the fasts get shorter and the weather gets cooler. It is the mental state of people I am more worried about.
Ramadhan is more than just an individual starvation. It is a time of togetherness, a time of community. Masjids (mosques) are full. Markets are busy. People interact with each other much more than usual. You see people who you haven’t in over a year. During the time of Iftar (at sunset, when Muslims break their fast), people get together in groups to eat. During this month, Muslims go that extra yard to make sure people in their communities are fed. Checking up and sending food to their neighbours is very common. It is not just looking out for other Muslims, but people of all backgrounds and helping everyone. That sense of community is something we are going to lose. It is going to have a massive effect on people.
As we self-isolate and cut ourselves off from other people, I do worry about the people who are going to spend this Ramadhan all alone. When fasting does get difficult, and the month does become challenging, having your family and friends by your side does make it easier. Having that daily interaction with your community and knowing you’re making a positive change does feel good. Taking that away from people will lead to long days. On top of that, not having any food and water will only add to the struggle. The mental aspect of this Ramadhan is going to be the most challenging.
Therefore, to all Muslims and everyone else out there, this Ramadhan let’s try to improve our own mental state and the others around us. Ramadhan is a time of togetherness and in this modern age of technology, we can still achieve that. Stay connected with your family and friends and do ask them how they are coping. Make sure your neighbour is fed and happy. Food banks across the country are still up and running and are doing amazing work. They need your help so please do donate food to them, so they can keep our communities fed. Finally, don’t forget charity. We can still donate our money all across the world to help the less fortunate. If we can do these small acts, by keeping Ramadhan as normal as possible, we may not feel the full extent of the mental toll it could have.
Moving forward, lets try to make the changes in our own communities that can last forever. Lets help each other and open up about our own mental state. By talking and educating each other, we can rid the taboo status this topic currently has.
Aleha
Feel free to comment on this post. I would love to hear your own experiences especially if you’re from the South Asian community. If you are Muslim, how are you going to handle the mental aspect of Ramadhan?
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