The Faces of Dar-us-Sakina
Mental Health Awareness Month
Featuring Selina Ali
May 2024
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with our Mental Health Coordinator, Selina Ali to discuss the state of mental health in our community.
About Selina Ali
Selina Ali first discovered Dar-us-Sakina in 2017 and was quick to involve her family. Inspired by our mission to raise awareness about special needs and foster unity within the Muslim community, Selina began as a Sakina Intern. At the same time, Selina felt a calling to pursue graduate studies in Counseling.
Within a year of volunteering, Selina became one of our first Support Team volunteers, further fueling her passion for counseling. As a Support volunteer, she warmly welcomed new families with calls, offering them support and reassurance about finding a safe haven with us. Eventually, Selina advanced to the role of Supports Liaison and, upon receiving her Master of Education in Counseling, she became our Mental Health Coordinator.
Selina serves on our Advisory Board as an expert in mental health and support events. Her instrumental role in the Support Committee has been invaluable, and we are truly blessed to have her as part of our community.
In this blog, Selina shares her insights on the common challenges faced by our community members, the cultural dynamics affecting mental health, and resources for accessing care.
Common Mental Health Issues in Our Community
Some common mental health issues in our community include isolation, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Many individuals who are differently-abled face significant barriers to getting their needs met, which can lead to feelings of sadness and frustration. Other prevalent issues are unhealthy self-esteem, feelings of being lost, caregiver burnout, spiritual crises, and family conflicts.
Selina shares that “we also see mental health challenges related to typical children and marriage issues. While there are ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community, the reality is that these barriers still exist and can be quite isolating.”
How Cultural Factors Influence Mental Health in Our Community
Cultural factors within our community significantly influence the approach to mental health. Many individuals face the pressure of saving face and fear the shame and criticism that might come from well-meaning family members. There's a strong stigma associated with mental health issues, often labeled as being "crazy," which discourages people from seeking help.
Additionally, the collectivist nature of our community often leads to self-neglect, as individuals prioritize the group's needs over their own. People also struggle with the inability to say "no," fearing that setting boundaries might lead to negative perceptions.
There are also fears of being exposed and the confusion between cultural expectations and Islamic teachings, which can complicate the understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. These cultural factors create significant barriers to accessing mental health care and support.
Mental Health Resources for our community
Whether you're in need or just seeking ongoing support, these resources are available:
WhatsApp-based Support Groups
- DUS Power Moms & Power Dads: Connect with other parents in our community.
- DUS Urdu Moms: Weekly group calls for Urdu-speaking mothers.
- DUS Arabic Moms: Support group for Arabic-speaking mothers.
Muslim Mental Health Counselors
- DUS Mental Health Providers List
- Muslim Association for Psychological Services: Find culturally sensitive mental health professionals.
Muslim In-Person Support Groups
- Suhbah Mothers’ Collective &Fathers’ Collective: Join other parents for in-person support and community.
- DUS Respite & Recharge + Parent Training events
Secular Support Community
- Katy Autism Support: A community group for families dealing with autism.
- Gigi’s Playhouse Programs: Support programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Free Courses
- Therapy in a Nutshell Anxiety Course: Learn coping strategies for anxiety.
- Coping Skills for Mental Health: Gain practical skills for managing mental health.
Support for High-Functioning Autism
- Texana Social Connections Club : A group for individuals with high-functioning autism.
- Social Motion Skills Group : Develop social skills in a supportive environment.
Local Courses to Renew Faith and Hope
- Quranic Ocean, Sameera Institute & Suhbah Institute: Engage in courses that blend spiritual growth with mental well-being.
If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally,
or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help.
Please visit the National Institute of Mental Health to learn more.
May 28, 2024
Jami Sabety-Javid