Encouraging Muslims to Seek Support for Mental Health Seeking professional mental health support in times of distress is often a daunting and somewhat confusing process for many people. As Muslims, we may worry professionals will not respect our Islamic beliefs while also fearing the stigma that comes with mental health difficulties (Shah & McGuiness, 2011). These factors, among many others, often prevent us from seeking professional support. We may instead opt to look to our own religious practices and social networks for support. In the first instance, we may turn to the Hadith and find relevant examples from the life and teachings of the Prophet (SAW) to help guide us in times of uncertainty. Or, we might pray salaat and make du’a to find comfort. Our family members, elders, and Imams – those who know us on a personal level – can also be our most preferred supports. It is important to acknowledge the value of these people and practices because they are deeply significant to us and help with alleviating stressors (Adam & Ward, 2016). It is also important to recognize that there are instances when we may require specialized mental health support in addition to our usual supports. Professional mental health support does not replace or assume superiority over our own practices and beliefs. Rather, it is seen to act as a means through which we can bolster our everyday supports. Referring to Te Whare Tapa Whā, a widely used Māori model which depicts health as a four-walled whare (house) sitting on top of the whenua (land), the inter-connectedness of the different dimensions of our health becomes apparent (Durie, 1994). By capturing the physical, spiritual, mental, and social elements that comprise our overall health, in addition to our connection with the land, the model allows for a holistic understanding of health that creates room for both religious and psychological support to aid in our overall wellbeing. With many psychologists in Aotearoa New Zealand working from this model, Muslims are able to seek support that can be culturally relevant to our needs while continuing to uphold our unique worldviews. Irrespective of the form of support we choose to seek in times of distress, it is important to remind ourselves that experiencing emotional difficulties is a normal part of being a human being. Perpetuating the idea that experiencing distress somehow reflects a lack of commitment to our deen continues to stigmatise mental health difficulties and prevents us, and those around us, from accessing support. To paraphrase the wisdom of Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir, we are connected by one body in our kindness, compassion, and sympathy so that when one limb suffers, the whole body responds. In relation to mental health difficulties, this means when those in our communities experience distress, we feel it too. It is therefore our duty to show compassion and ensure everyone receives the support they need, both professional and otherwise. Bilal Nasier Doctor of Clinical Psychology Candidate References Adam, Z., & Ward, C. (2016). Stress, religious coping and wellbeing in acculturating Muslims. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 10(2). Shah, K., & McGuinness (2011). Muslim Mental Health Awareness: Exploring the needs of the community. Affinity Services. Retrieved from https://www.ecald.com/assets/Resources/Assets/Muslim-MH-Awareness.pdf Durie, M. (1998). Whaiora: Maōri health development. Oxford University Press. Published in 13th Edition – 2022