The world celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10 to raise awareness of mental-health issues around the world and to collaborate globally in support of mental health.

We all know how to recognise and take care of our physical health, we are well versed in what to look for and who to go to for our physical wellbeing, but not so much about our mental wellbeing.

The topic of mental issues has been and, to a large extent, continues to be a taboo topic; this must change, it absolutely must. We have to adopt a better understanding and tolerance for mental-health issues to promote healing for a healthier result.

Hence the Day is organised to provide opportunities for all stakeholders working on mental-health issues to speak about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental healthcare a reality for people worldwide.

Being in overall good health is important and we have to realise that overall wellbeing includes physical and mental health. The topic of how to take care of our mental health is vital.

What is mental health? Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.

It goes without saying, that mental wellness is important throughout the stages of our lives from childhood to old age.

It would behoove us to seek knowledge and individually make ourselves aware of mental-health issues and how to recognise mental-health concerns; this is optimum for ourselves and our loved ones.

Islam values the importance of good mental health and emotional wellbeing. The Koran is used as a guide to those suffering from emotional distress and aims to lead people to a meaningful quality of life. “There is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” This is from a sound Hadith.

Muslims believe that our emotional wellbeing thrives in a spirit of tranquillity and peace. The Koran reads: “Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” (13:28)

I can attest that on many occasions when I have felt anxious, hopeless, depressed and sad, I have opened the Koran, and behold, the verse or ayat is there before me giving me comfort, consolation and hope. It’s almost uncanny, but not for those who believe that Allah’s promise is true, it’s pure consolation and confirmation that Allah will never leave or forsake us.

My favourite ayah or verse is 3:103: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided; and remember the favour of Allah which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love, so that by His grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.”

The above verse ties in so appropriately with anxiety and the state of our inhumanity towards each other, especially with the worldly events that affect us.

We all are aware of the atrocities going on in the world today. Our personal lives are filled with confusion and worry. We are concerned about the ever-rising cost of living, the collapse of businesses which affect our livelihoods, the pollution of air, sea, water, soil and food, homelessness, the breakup of family and family ties, the drugs that are ruining our societies, the pandemics, floods and hurricanes, wars, genocide … and the beat goes on and on, no wonder mental-health issues are spiralling out of our control.

Alhamdulilah, there is a solution! Please if you are feeling low, seek professional help, together with upgrading your spirituality and your faith in God. An excerpt from Psalm 46 is: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Allah says, “Believers! Seek help in patience and in Prayer; Allah is with those that are patient.” (Koran, 2:153)

There is hope for the disheartened, though we have to seek it — that’s all that is required of us. Seek and ye shall find. Be determined to acquire and maintain good mental health. Make one step towards God and the rest will follow.

Bermuda, stay healthy and wise through God’s help, compassion and mercy.

Let us continue to seek peace at home and abroad. Continue to call for permanent ceasefire now. “And (as for) the believing men and the believing women, they are guardians of each other; they enjoin good and forbid evil and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, and obey Allah and His Messenger; (as for) these, Allah will show mercy to them; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise.” (Koran, 9.71)

As salaa alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam