1. Saadia Z. Yunus, MA, MFT
April 12-14, 2013
The strongest chains are not always visible…

2. What comes to mind?
Depression
Family
Anxiety
Peace
Marriage
Stress
Anger
Happiness

3. Why care about
mental health?
 On 31st of July 2012, a study based on large-scale
population was published in the British Medical
Journal: people who suffer from mental health
problems have shorter life span
 People who are emotionally healthy are in control of
their emotions and their behavior
 The mind and the body are linked. When you improve
your physical health, you’ll automatically experience
greater mental and emotional well-being and vice
versa

4. Muslim Mental Health Stats
 The rate of schizophrenia in Muslims is similar to that of
non-Muslims.
 Higher rates of depression in women versus men - as seen
in U.S. populations -are also seen in Muslim populations.
 Anxiety disorders seem to be as prevalent in Muslims as in
non-Muslims; high rates of PTSD were found in both
Muslim men and women facing post-9/11-related trauma
and discrimination (Abu-Ras & Abu-Bader, in press).
 While Muslim youth may be at higher risk for anxiety and
depression (Al-Hinai, 2006), religiosity appears to be a
protective factor (Vasegh & Mohammadi, 2007).

5. The Prophet (S), the Therapist
 A man asked the Prophet (S) to
make zina lawful for him
 He did not have one answer for
every question
 Paid attention to people,
considered their psychology, and
articulated his counseling in a way
that would help them specifically
 Ability to empathize with people;
Non-judgmental
 Get rid of the stigma! It is OKAY to
go to therapy

6. Individual
 Individuals don’t exist!
 Pizza slices
 Depression vs. sadness; anxiety vs. worry
 Positive thinking; positive self-talk
 CLOSE YOUR EYES!  Inner voice
 Detecting a problem
 Solutions to individual
problems

7. Family
 Individuals exist within relationships
 Family roles: Husband, wife, mother, father, daughter,
son, sister, brother; Hierarchy
 Boundaries: Rigid Vs. Diffuse: How close are you?
 The BEST thing you can do for your kids is LOVE your
spouse
 Positivity Vs. Criticism: Where’s the support?
 Problems within the family
 Solutions for problems within the family

8. Society
 “If we do not teach our children, society will. And
they—and we—will live with the results.” (ex. Sex
education, puberty, adolescence, etc.) –Sean Covey
 Friends, television, online, social networks, cell
phones, texting, etc.
 Expectations, wants, needs, desires—CONFUSION!
 Identity crisis… WHO am I?!

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
- Steven R. Covey
1. Be proactive (not reactive)
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think “Win-Win”
5. Seek first to understand
6. Synergize (the whole is
greater than the sum of its
parts)
7. Sharpen the saw

10. Stress Reducing Exercises: And…….
ACTION!
 Deep breathing
 Attitude of gratitude
 Tense to relax
 Visualize success
 Smile!
-Dr. Fred Luskin

11. The End: Resources & QA
 Resources:
 Books:
 Stress Free for Good –Dr. Fred Luskin & Dr. Kenneth R.
Pelletier
 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families --Stephen R. Covey
 The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work --Dr. John
Gottman
 THERAPISTS!:
 www.therapistlocator.net
 Online Islamic University counseling