Mental health. A simple phrase, but its impact is profound. It’s that soft, constant rhythm behind everything we do. It’s subtle but undeniably important to all. Just as we take care of our bodies with good food, rest, and a little “treat yourself moments” now and then, our minds need the same care and attention.

So, let’s dive into the conversation but with kindness, a smile, and perhaps your favorite cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your vibe!).

Firstly, You’ve heard the phrase “It’s okay to not be okay” before, but have you really let it sink in on what it means? How does it make you feel? 

In both everyday life and in faith, we’re reminded that hardship is a part of the journey. In the Islamic tradition, even the prophets, our most beloved of people, have faced moments of deep sadness, trials and discouragement. Prophet Yaqub PBUH (Jacob, peace be upon him) cried so much over the loss of his son Yusuf that he lost his eyesight. Yet he never lost faith. His grief didn’t make him weak, it made him human.

So if you ever find yourself having a hard day, week, or even month, breathe. You're not broken. You're beautifully human. You’re allowed to take in the sadness and find a positive light. 

What can we do to get things off our mind? Mental Health = Getting Active = Any form of “Gym”. 

Usually, people tend to go to the gym to keep their body and mind strong. Well, mental health is like a workout but except for your body, it is mainly for the brain and heart. Whether it’s journaling, therapy, prayer, talking to a friend, or simply taking a walk outside, you're strengthening your inner world, letting go of the outside problem and focusing on your thoughts to clear your mind. Faith encourages us to care for our whole selves. Prophet Muhammad PBUH said, “Your body has a right over you.” And yes, that includes your mind, too. 

Sometimes, we all get so caught up in life’s responsibilities that we can feel guilty for enjoying ourselves (even if it is just a little). Let this be your official reminder: joy is not forbidden!

Laughing with loved ones, watching your favorite show, painting badly, baking something that looks more of a fail rather than perfect  all counts as self-care. Islam is a faith of balance. Joy is healing. Joy is sunnah. We should train our brains to not only focus on things that get us “down” but also how it can potentially uplift us. 

💬 Don’t be Afraid to Talk About It! 

Feeling Anxiety? Stress? Overthinking at 3am? More common than we all can admit. That’s why talking, really talking, can be a game-changer. Whether it's to a therapist, a trusted friend, or in prayer, expressing what’s on your mind is not weakness. It's wisdom. Always put your feelings and trust into Allah and everything really does fall into place. 

🌱 A Dua for the Down Days:

For relief from anxiety and sorrow, recite this du’a: 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْهَمِّ وَالْحُزْنِ وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

Transliteration: Allahumma innee a’uzubika min alhammi wal huzni wal ajzi wal kasli wal bukhli wal jubni wa dala’id dayni wa galabatir rijaal.

Translation: O Allah, I take refuge in you from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being overpowered by men.

[Hadith | Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Be Kind (Especially to Yourself):

You are not behind. You are not too much. You are not alone.

Mental health is a journey, not a destination. Some days will feel like sunshine. Others, like a rainly, dull cloudy day. However, do not let that be the cause of your mind. Keep showing up, keep choosing little joys, and keep the faith — in God, in yourself, and in the beauty of what tomorrow could become.