Mental Health and Islam: How Faith and Therapy Can Work Together

Understanding Mental Health in an Islamic Context

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being, yet many Muslims struggle with seeking professional help due to stigma or misconceptions about therapy. Islam emphasizes balance in all aspects of life, including emotional and psychological well-being. Understanding how faith and therapy can complement each other can help individuals find strength and healing.

Islam’s View on Mental Health

Islam recognizes emotional struggles and provides guidance on managing distress. The Quran and Hadith highlight themes of patience (sabr), reliance on Allah (tawakkul), and seeking support from loved ones. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself acknowledged sadness, stress, and grief, demonstrating that experiencing such emotions is part of human nature. Mental health challenges are not a sign of spiritual failure but rather part of the human test, where seeking help is a step towards self-betterment.

Common Misconceptions About Mental Health in a Spiritual Context

Misunderstandings about mental health persist in many Muslim communities, including in Malaysia, where cultural and religious beliefs often intertwine. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for promoting a healthier perspective on seeking help.

• “Mental health struggles mean weak faith”. Many believe that anxiety or depression indicates a lack of faith (iman) or insufficient worship (ibadah). However, even the most pious individuals, including prophets, experienced emotional hardships. Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) grieved deeply for his son Yusuf, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went through immense sorrow during the ‘Year of Sorrow.’ Faith does not eliminate suffering, but it provides strength to endure and seek solutions.

• “Dua and prayer should be enough to heal”. While dua, prayer (solat), and dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are powerful tools for inner peace, they do not replace professional psychological support. Islam encourages seeking solutions alongside supplication—just as one would visit a doctor for a physical ailment, seeking a therapist for emotional distress aligns with Islamic teachings of using all available means for healing.

• “Mental illness is caused by supernatural forces like jinn or black magic”. In some cultures, mental disorders are often attributed to possession or the effects of sihir (black magic). While Islam acknowledges the existence of unseen forces, psychological conditions often have scientific explanations rooted in biology, past trauma, and environmental stressors. Therapy and medical intervention can address these issues more effectively than exorcisms or spiritual rituals alone.

• “Expressing emotions is a sign of weakness”. Cultural norms, especially in Asian and Malay communities, discourage open discussions about mental distress, promoting a ‘strong and silent’ approach. However, Islam does not prohibit emotional expression; the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself openly wept when he lost his loved ones. Seeking therapy allows individuals to process emotions in a healthy manner rather than suppressing them, which can lead to greater psychological distress.

• “Therapists will impose Western values that conflict with Islam”. Some Muslims fear that therapy promotes secular ideologies that contradict Islamic beliefs. However, many therapists in Malaysia, including those at Psychelp Psychology Centre, offer culturally and religiously sensitive therapy that integrates Islamic values. Islamic psychology, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and faith-based counseling can be tailored to align with a client’s spiritual framework.

How Faith and Therapy Can Work Together

Islamic-Informed Therapy – Many therapists incorporate Islamic teachings into their practice, making therapy a space where faith and psychology align. This can include mindfulness practices from Islamic traditions, integrating dua (supplications), and reflecting on Quranic verses that provide comfort.

Seeking Help is a Sunnah – Islam encourages seeking knowledge and assistance. Just as one would see a doctor for a physical illness, it is just as important to seek help for mental distress. The Prophet (PBUH) advised seeking treatment when unwell, reinforcing that healing is a proactive process.

Balancing Spiritual and Psychological Healing – Therapy can help Muslims navigate their emotions while maintaining a strong connection with Allah. For example, a person experiencing anxiety might benefit from both cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and increased spiritual practices like prayer and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

Addressing Trauma and Emotional Pain – Many people suppress their emotions due to cultural or religious expectations. Therapy provides a safe space to process past traumas while maintaining faith-based coping mechanisms. In Malaysia, issues such as intergenerational trauma, rigid parenting styles, and academic or career pressures contribute to emotional distress—therapy helps address these challenges in a culturally relevant way.

When to Seek Therapy

If persistent sadness, anxiety, or stress interferes with daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Therapy can help individuals struggling with past trauma, grief, marital conflicts, or self-esteem issues, all within an Islamic framework.

Finding the Right Therapist

For Muslims who prefer faith-based therapy, finding a psychologist who respects Islamic values can be beneficial. In Malaysia, clinics like Psychelp Psychology Centre offer culturally and religiously sensitive therapy to ensure clients feel understood and supported.

Final Thoughts

Mental health and Islam are not contradictory; rather, they can work together to promote emotional and spiritual well-being. Seeking therapy is a proactive step in fulfilling one’s responsibility to care for oneself, aligning with the holistic approach Islam encourages for a balanced life. If you or a loved one are struggling, know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is a step toward healing and strength.

Breaking the stigma around mental health in Malaysian Muslim communities requires awareness, education, and compassion. By integrating faith with professional therapy, individuals can achieve mental clarity while staying true to their beliefs.

Do I Have ADHD? How Do I Get Assessed and Diagnosed in Malaysia?

Introduction

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults, impacting focus, impulse control, and daily functioning. Many individuals in Malaysia struggle with ADHD symptoms without a proper diagnosis, leading to difficulties in academics, work, and relationships. If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, getting assessed is the first step toward understanding and managing the condition effectively.

Common Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD symptoms vary between individuals but are generally categorized into three types:

1. Inattentive Type:

   • Difficulty sustaining attention

   • Frequently making careless mistakes

   • Forgetfulness in daily tasks

   • Struggles with organization and time management

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:

   • Constant fidgeting or restlessness

   • Interrupting conversations

   • Difficulty staying seated for long periods

   • Acting without thinking about consequences

3. Combined Type:

   • Exhibits symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types

ADHD Diagnosis in Malaysia

ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by a qualified mental health professional. The process typically includes:

1. Clinical Interview – A psychologist or psychiatrist will conduct an in-depth interview to understand the individual’s developmental history, current symptoms, and impact on daily life.

2. Behavioral Questionnaires and Rating Scales – Tools such as the Conners Rating Scale (for children) and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) are commonly used to evaluate symptoms and their severity.

3. Observations and Collateral Reports – Information from parents, teachers, or partners may be gathered to provide additional insights.

4. Neuropsychological Testing – In some cases, further cognitive assessments may be conducted to differentiate ADHD from other conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder.

Where to Get Assessed for ADHD in Malaysia

ADHD assessments can be conducted at public hospitals, private clinics, and specialized mental health centers. While government hospitals provide affordable options, the waiting time may be long. Private psychology clinics offer faster access to assessments and personalized care.

Managing ADHD After Diagnosis

If diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include:

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help with focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation.

• Medication: In some cases, psychiatrists may prescribe stimulants or non-stimulant medication to manage symptoms.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Implementing structured routines, mindfulness techniques, and exercise can improve ADHD management.

• Compensatory Strategies: Techniques such as using reminders, checklists, and structured schedules can help with organization and task completion.

• Self-Talk: Encouraging positive self-dialogue to enhance motivation and reduce impulsivity.

• Attention and Memory Training: Exercises designed to improve working memory and sustained attention, which can be beneficial for individuals struggling with focus.

• Behavioral Coaching: ADHD coaches can provide strategies and support for developing time management, goal-setting, and productivity skills.

Get Assessed at PsycHelp Psychology Centre

At PsycHelp Psychology Centre, we offer professional ADHD assessments using evidence-based tools like the Conners Rating Scale, ASRS and many more. Our team, which includes of two clinical psychologists, Mr Abdul Raouf and Ms Mariah Hanna, provides expert guidance to help you or your loved one understand ADHD and develop effective management strategies.