This year's theme of Mental Health Awareness Month, "Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World," invites us to consider the challenges posed by our rapidly evolving environment. While modern technology brings knowledge and connectivity, it also exposes us to a relentless stream of information that can affect our emotional equilibrium. The constant influx of news, social media updates, health scares, violence, social justice issues, environmental challenges, and other global events can evoke feelings of distress and uncertainty, impacting our mental and physical health if not properly addressed.
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Mawlana Hazar Imam has emphasized the importance of mental wellbeing, and the AKDN ethical framework notes that “…the preservation of sound mind is among the foundational principles of Islam’s ethical code.” Just as we prioritize physical and spiritual health, nurturing our mental health is essential for holistic well-being.”
The US data shows the prevalence of poor mental health in adults rose from 31.5% to 36.3% between 2019 and 2022. In 2022, approximately 50% of young adults aged 18 to 34 experienced poor mental health, being more than four times as likely as those over 75. While 21.6% of adults overall received mental health treatment in 2020, this figure rose to 23.2% for the 18-44 age group. Furthermore, individuals with major depressive disorder reported an increase in suicidal ideation from 26.2% to 32.5% between 2009 and 2020, with the most significant rises observed among racial minorities.
While Asians were less likely to seek treatment compared to non-Hispanic Whites (10.6% versus 30.4%). mental health challenges exist across various cultures, age segments and genders. Our Jamat likely faces similar challenges when it comes to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
Experiencing negative emotions is a normal aspect of being human, yet managing them effectively can be challenging. Mental Health America recommends the following strategies:
- Find a support system that lifts you up. This can include family, friends online groups, interest groups, or community spaces that offer a safe space for expression. In the case of our Jamat, we have resources such as ACCESS that provide guidance.
- When technology becomes all-consuming, explore different options that help you create boundaries. This can include limiting social media and group chats between certain hours, putting time limits on television viewing or mobile apps, or downloading a website/app blocker.
- To support mental well-being, consider finding and meeting with a licensed mental health professional, such as a counselor or therapist, who can offer effective coping methods. When emotions are hard to manage, speak to your counselor or primary care provider for a referral to a specialist or for an appropriate treatment plan.
Connecting with others and social interactions can often be antidotes to loneliness and depression. Attendance in Jamatkhana and other activities and hobbies can be helpful in this regard. However, there is often a tendency to avoid addressing changes in the emotions or behavior of others, either because we do not wish to intrude into their private lives or because denial is easier than dealing with matters that are complex or have a perceived stigma attached to them. Those who are in need of help are unable sometimes to recognize this. It is up to others to reach out with empathy, and to provide support in a compassionate way.
For help, contact ACCESS at 1-844-55- ACCESS or 1-844-552-2237
References:
1. Kim J, Linos E, Rodriguez CI, Chen ML, Dove MS, Keegan TH. Prevalence and associations of poor mental health in the third year of COVID-19: U.S. population-based analysis from 2020 to 2022. Psychiatry Res. Dec 2023;330:115622. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115622
2. Terlizzi EP, Schiller JS. Mental Health Treatment Among Adults Aged 18-44: United States, 2019-2021. NCHS Data Brief. Sep 2022;(444):1-8.
3. Bommersbach TJ, Rosenheck RA, Rhee TG. Rising Rates of Suicidal Behaviors and Large Unmet Treatment Needs Among US Adults With a Major Depressive Episode, 2009 to 2020. Mayo Clin Proc. Jul 2023;98(7):969-984. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.02.012
