Learn about Mental Health
Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, spiritual, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, relate to others, and handle life’s challenges.
Islam encourages us to seek emotional balance (wasatiyyah) and to care for our mind (‘aql) as a blessing from Allah. Seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Seek help in whatever is beneficial for you” (Muslim).
Afiya provides mental health services that respect your faith, culture, and privacy.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health is about feeling emotionally stable, coping with stress, connecting with others, and living with purpose.
- Managing your emotions effectively.
- Feeling connected spiritually
- Functioning well at work and in relationships
- Finding peace and meaning in life
Islam recognises the connection between the heart (qalb), mind, and soul (nafs) – mental wellbeing in a holistic state
Is Mental Health the Same as Mental Illness?
No. Mental health is a state we all experience—sometimes it’s strong, sometimes we need support. Mental illness refers to specific diagnosed conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Having poor mental health does not always mean a person has a mental illness. Even prophets (e.g. Yaqub عليه السلام grieving for Yusuf) experienced emotional pain—this is part of being human.
What Factors Impact Mental Health
Emotional stress such as grief, loss and trauma
Work pressure and life balance
Discrimination and Islamophobia
Unresolved spiritual or faith concerns
Wars overseas and witnessing oppression
Family or relationship challenges
Lack of sleep, exercise, or a healthy diet
Financial difficulties or uncertainty about the future
Not having culturally or spiritually safe support systems
Activities to Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Pray regularly (Salah) with mindfulness
- Make dua and practice gratitude (shukr)
- Use deep breathing or Islamic mindfulness (muraqabah)
- Exercise and maintain a healthy diet – halal and wholesome (tayyibah)
- Spend quality time with family members to build connection and support
- Stay socially connected with friends or join community groups to reduce isolation
- Talk to a trusted friend or counsellor
- Reflect on Quranic verses about patience and hope
- Spend time in nature and unplug from screens
- Journal thoughts and feelings
- Prioritise good sleep hygiene
- Volunteer or help someone in need (sadaqah)
- Reconnect with Islamic purpose and goals (niyyah)
- Attend therapy or Islamic psychology-informed sessions
Learn more about Mental Health
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural human emotion that Allah (swt) has created within us to alert us to danger and keep us safe. It becomes a concern when it starts to interfere with our daily life, relationships, or ability to function.
Depression
Depression is more than sadness—it’s a deep emotional pain that can affect your energy, thinking, relationships, and connection to life. It can also affect your connection with Allah (swt) and your sense of self.
Trauma
Trauma is an emotional wound caused by deeply distressing or frightening experiences. It affects the mind, body, and soul—and can impact how a person sees themselves, others, the world, and even Allah (swt).
Islamophobia
Islamophobia isn’t just about hate—it’s about fear, discrimination, and exclusion. It can cause deep emotional, social, and spiritual harm.