Factors Affecting Mental Health In Muslim Families

Mental health challenges in Muslim families may be influenced by various factors, reflecting the diversity of Muslim communities within the United States. Among these factors may include religious discrimination against Muslims, cultural factors influencing the perception of mental health, and access (or lack thereof) to culturally competent mental health services. 

Individual interpretation of mental health issues and stigma associated with mental illness may also influence help-seeking behavior, according to findings. Family members experiencing mental health challenges may refer to helpful resources aimed at Muslim families living in the US. There are also approaches to counseling that incorporate the needs of Muslims. Moreover, culturally sensitive therapy may address some of the challenges affecting mental health and well-being. 

Exploring factors influencing mental health in Muslim families, treatment barriers, and culturally competent counseling may be helpful for Muslim and non-Muslim individuals as they navigate mental healthcare and culture. 

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Challenges to Muslim mental health 

Findings suggest that factors involving religious discrimination, acculturation and assimilation, and cultural beliefs may influence mental health. Facing discrimination, for example, has been linked with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that Muslim Americans often experience. Religious discrimination has also been reported as a common experience by Muslims, especially younger US-born adults, especially women. For example, the below study indicates that one-third of Muslim Americans perceived discrimination in a healthcare setting.

Religious belief and mental health treatment

According to the above findings, the majority of Muslim Americans claim that faith is a source of happiness in their lives and support a pluralistic approach to faith. 

The organization notes that Islamic cultural tradition emphasizes mental health, holding a perspective that "transcends mind-body dualism to integrate behavioral and physical health." The study also stresses the role of mental health professionals in addressing mental health challenges stemming from a broader context of societal Islamophobia. Findings also suggest that youth participation in organized religious activities may lower stress related to acculturation. 

Diversity and similarity of concerns 

As a widely diverse population, Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian communities may experience similar and unique challenges. For example, one in five South Asian Americans has reported a mood or anxiety disorder in their lifetime. Psychological distress may first manifest as physical symptoms. South Asians are also likely to report stigma toward mental illnesses. Moreover, stigma—from the likes of family or biological explanations—might be associated with a lack of seeking treatment. 

Stigma’s role in mental health in Muslim families

Stigma may also play a significant role in Arab women seeking mental health help in America. For example, some people may be reluctant to reveal sensitive information about their family to outsiders out of a desire to protect the family's reputation and honor. Some women may be shamed for displaying symptoms of a mental health condition, such as depression, and choose to remain in silence. However, younger generations may be more willing to engage with mental health services, especially when presented with a culturally competent therapist or counselor. 

For Arab communities within the Arab and Israeli context, past findings suggest that "religious beliefs, the importance of the family, and the stigma attached to mental health problems have a substantial influence on an Arab's perception and reaction toward mental health problems and their treatment."

Barriers to mental health treatment for Muslims

Several barriers have been found in seeking and receiving treatment. A recent systematic review noted that "Muslim communities experience barriers accessing cognitive-behavioral therapy at the level of the individual, culture, provider, and management."

Common barriers to mental health treatment for Muslims

• Individual interpretation of psychological concerns reflecting religious beliefs, such as a belief that one is being punished by Allah or displaying a weakness of faith
• Language barriers
• Stigma arising from concerns of being viewed negatively by one's family and community 
• Cultural restrictions on receiving treatment from another gender, especially in the case of women receiving treatment from male therapists
• Concerns around the cultural sensitivity of therapists
• Unawareness of available mental health services or how to access them
• Preference toward a Muslim therapist

Faith-based treatment options for treating Muslim mental health issues

The same review also noted that Muslims may also choose to consult with a therapist and a spiritual healer simultaneously. Others may turn more strongly to religious practices. Authors indicated that "combining evidence-based psychological therapy with features of the Islamic faith may, therefore, be of significant benefit given that Muslims can work with two explanatory models simultaneously." As a synthesis, the review observed no contradiction between combining psychological treatment with Islamic treatment, according to Islamic sources. 

Resources for Muslim families navigating Muslim mental health issues

Families seeking support for themselves or family members who might be grappling with challenges affecting mental health and well-being may refer to several resources. The American Muslim Advisory Counsel recommends the resources below:

SAMHSA

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers a free and suicide prevention hotline and online chat. Individuals can also find mental health and substance use information and resources. 

Stones to Bridges

Stones to Bridges is an online platform for Muslim youth's emotional, social, and mental well-being. The site offers anonymous counseling from peers and counselors and features articles and other resources. ​

The Family Youth Institute

The Family Youth Institute: This institute aims to help parents communicate with teens, especially when facing challenges affecting their well-being. 

Naseeha Mental Health

Naseeha Mental Health: Naseeha offers mental health advocacy and a free hotline for Muslims looking for mental health support that is culturally and spiritually informed and run by other Muslims. 

Culturally competent therapy for people who practice Islam

Therapy with a culturally competent therapist who respects you and your worldview may foster mental health and well-being. However, some people may be hesitant to seek in-person therapy due to barriers like time, finances, or beliefs. In these cases, an online platform like BetterHelp may be more accessible. 

Online therapy as an option for navigating mental health in muslim families

Online platforms allow clients to connect with a licensed therapist by video conferencing, phone, or in-app messages—all helpful if you'd like your therapist to help you navigate a recent challenge without waiting long for a response. In addition, online platforms allow clients to specify if they’d like to match with a BIPOC, religious, or spiritual practitioner. 

What the research says about online therapy for people who practice Islam

A systematic review of a modified version of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for Muslims with mental illness examined the effectiveness of Islamic-modified CBT (iCBT) interventions. Islamic-modified iCBT incorporates religious aspects into its approach, showing "potential benefits in reducing symptoms and improving functioning among religious individuals with mood and anxiety disorders." 

In addition, a study involving 27,500 people in the UK's health system suggests that therapy can work as well online as it does in person. The program, which employed CBT, indicated that online therapy may address a variety of mental health challenges and can also be more cost-effective and convenient by increasing access to therapy.