Mental health is an integral part of anyone’s well-being, in fact, it is just as important as any other facet of a person’s health. To a degree, no one is immune from it, as it is quite simply a part of human nature.
According to an estimate, 1 in 7 i.e., 14% of 10–19 year-olds globally experience mental health conditions. Here, in United Kingdom, health experts have warned that the country is facing a mental health crisis, and have called for the ‘staggering demand’ to be addressed urgently.

The National Health Service (NHS) paints a sobering picture, revealing a troubling uptick in mental health issues among British youth. In November 2023, NHS figures show a record 496,897. under-18’s had been referred by a GP for treatment under Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

Depression, with its gripping tendrils, casts shadows over the brightest souls. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a global rise in depression and anxiety rates, highlighting the need for holistic approaches. Recent studies reveal a startling surge in mental health challenges among the youth
in Britain, including Muslim communities. According to the National Health Service (NHS) 1in5, children and young people in the UK experiences a mental health issue each year. The reasons are multifaceted the relentless pace of life, societal pressures, and the isolating impact of technology. For Muslim youth, the struggle is compounded as they grapple with the clash between cultural expectations
and the pull of their Islamic identity.

Amid the cacophony of daily life, the sense of isolation intensifies. The digital era, which promised unprecedented connectivity, paradoxically fosters a disconnect that seeps into the core of individual experiences. A survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation found that 42% of young people in Britain feel lonely, a sentiment that echoes across cultural and religious boundaries. Muslim youth, too, face the challenge of forging meaningful connections without compromising their values.

The statistics lay bare a profound narrative—one that demands our attention and understanding.

In contemplating the matter, one wonders: Can our khuddam, dedicated to the regularity of daily prayers, grapple with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety?

Delving into this inquiry, insights emerged during our informal gatherings in the ‘Ask the Murabbi’ sessions, where fellow brothers can didly recounted instances of experiencing symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Thus, the question surfaces: How do we navigate this turbulent sea of emotions ?

Being Ahmadi Muslims, we have the privilege of seeking guidance and solutions for our problems from the Holy Qur’an and constant guidance from our Beloved Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba ) based on the teachings of Islam. On one occasion Huzoor (aba) mentioned the following of the Holy Qur’an said: اَلَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡا وَتَطۡمَئِنُّ قُلُوۡبُہُمۡ بِذِکۡرِ اللّٰہِ ؕ اَلَا بِذِکۡرِ اللّٰہِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ الۡقُلُوۡبُ ﴿ؕ۲۹﴾ ‘It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.’

Explaining the verse he further stated, ‘we should turn to Allah and beseech help and support from Him. Islam also guides us to increasingly participate in social activities after such events. Those who are suffering from depression are also told by psychiatrists to go and socialise with others – to get some fresh air and exercise, and to meet people instead of being isolated.’Islam, with its emphasis on community, offers a roadmap for nurturing bonds that transcend the superficiality of social media. Holy Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, ‘A believer to another believer is like a building whose
different parts enforce each other.’

Engaging with the community becomes not only a source of support but also a means of dispelling the shadows of isolation.

Furthermore, Islam advocates self-reflection and seeking refuge in prayer during moments of despair. In
the Quran, Allah assures,‘Therefore remember Me, and I will remember you.’

The act of remembrance, through prayer and mindfulness, becomes a sanctuary for the restless mind, offering solace and tranquillity in the face of life’s tribulations. To address mental health challenges among the youth, it is crucial to dismantle the stigma associated with seeking professional help. Islam encourages the pursuit of knowledge, and counselling or therapy is an avenue through which individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself sought counsel from trusted companions, exemplifying the importance of seeking wisdom in times of confusion.

As the sun sets over the urban landscape, casting long shadows that mirror the complexity of contemporary life, the call to action is clear. This can only be happen if we have strong relationship with
Khilafat. By fostering genuine connections, engaging in self-reflection, and dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health, they can navigate the maze of challenges while staying true to their faith.