Community Health
Today we are facing unprecedented challenges. The mental health burden from stress, unsafety, fatigue, fear, anxiety and emotional breakdown are taking a toll on us, our families and, our communities. People are suffering and seeking help in greater numbers, including, seeking supports and counselling to cope with grief and anguish for loved ones in Palestine.
Frontline staff offering social and mental health services, including Imams, are also overwhelmed.
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The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), along with police units across the country are reporting a sharp rise in hate. Community members need support with the hate directed at them from colleagues, teachers, employers, customers, peers or even strangers. Incidents of hate should be referred to organizations that provide support and systems navigation.
What you can do:
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There are some who will continue to suffer silently - alone. They also need our attention and support. It is important to check-in on congregants at Jummah (Friday prayers) who may avoid the mosque. This is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (saw).
Mobilize a team of volunteers in your respective community to check-in with community members, especially seniors, newcomers, and refugees who are at greater risk of re-traumatization.
Post, share or refer them to resources and organizations in your area, that provide social services and mental health support.
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Extra attention should be paid to community members with family in
Gaza/Palestine. They will be experiencing anxiety, fear, guilt, helplessness, and vicarious trauma as a result of seeing horrific images from their homeland. Many have lost family members and need tangible support, along with prayers.
Let us honour the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (saw) and practise self-restraint. When anger takes over, the Prophet advised us to: When angry- if standing, sit down, do wudu, drink water, lay down, and go for a walk.
