BCBN in collaboration with the University of East London & Inspirited Minds launched a national campaign to better understand mental health experiences of British Muslim’s (aged 18-30).
They have since published the Hidden Survivors Report which shows the need for culturally competent and faith sensitive mental health and wellbeing services.
Here are some of the top findings from the report
I would like Islam to be a major part of the resolution of my problems
Wearing a hijab can be a source of anxiety and feeling worried about Islamophobia you may face; it isn’t that faith hasn’t helped me but more external factors and discrimination have cause aspects of my faith to feel like they may place me in danger
…feeling defensive and misunderstood in wider British society. Feeling visually different and the day-to-day struggle of that…
Burden of responsibility of standing up to oppression.
“Faith has always stopped me from giving up and taking my life. Faith has always encouraged me to help those around me regardless of anything”
Prayer and faith in the Almighty is so important but being forced to go pray, pray, pray, doesn’t help – I feel you lose that connection and initial intention
Parents have a view that a Muslim is never depressed
59 % of young Muslims agreed Faith plays a positive role in supporting mental wellbeing.
Among those who have experienced mental health struggles the figure is higher at 81%
Hidden Survivors
I don’t think most services know what cultural challenges feel like or how to deal and live with them.
90% of young Muslims that have been to counselling say it is important that mental health services are culturally/
faith sensitive
81% those who have experienced mental health struggles believed faith plays a positive role in supporting wellbeing
Prayer in conjunction with an actual therapy session where we discussed other mindfulness exercises, helped
Through working with young people in schools, providing teacher training and parent awareness events Resilient Me aims to increase awareness of the link between faith, culture, identity and wellbeing and support young people in order to start tackling these issues.
