Silent No More Understanding Our Minds, Healing Our Hearts A session for Mothers & Teenage Children Presented by : TKWI – IPS 4th August 2025 🌿 Where Healing Begins With Understanding By: Zainab Khan
Title Slide Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh . Welcome to this deeply needed session: *Silent No More – Understanding Our Minds, Healing Our Hearts*. This space is for mothers and teenagers to speak truths often silenced in our cultures. Today, we will talk about mental health from an Islamic, emotional, and social perspective. This session is not a lecture—it is a call for compassion, healing, and change. May Allah open our hearts to listen and speak with mercy.
Mental health is more than just the absence of illness. It’s about emotional, psychological, and social well-being. We all experience highs and lows—but sometimes, the lows get heavy. This session is about: Recognizing when something feels “off” Knowing it’s okay to talk about it Breaking cultural silence around mental suffering About Mental Health
Introduction Let us start with the understanding that mental health is part of the human experience. Just as our bodies fall ill, our hearts and minds may also struggle. In Surah Qaf (50:16), Allah says: *'We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein.'* This ayah reminds us that no emotion is hidden from Allah. He knows our inner turmoil and our silent cries. Many Muslim mothers are drowning in emotional exhaustion. Teenage girls are hiding depression behind their smiles. Boys are silencing fear because 'men don't cry.' Today, we say: Enough silence. Let us speak, let us listen, and let us heal.
Why This Session? Why this session? Because every week we hear of a sister overwhelmed with postpartum depression, a teenage girl battling anxiety alone, or a young man thinking of suicide and too ashamed to ask for help. Our homes are not always the safe spaces they should be. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and trauma do not discriminate. They impact the pious and the struggling. They impact young and old. And Islam does not dismiss them—it acknowledges them. Our Prophet ﷺ cried. He felt fear, grief, and stress. He turned to Allah—but also to community.
Stigma and Myths Myth: Mental health issues are a sign of weakness. Truth: They are health conditions, not character flaws. Myth: Children/teens don’t experience mental illness Truth: 1 in 6 children aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year. Myth: Talking about problems makes them worse Truth: Talking often leads to healing and release.
Common Mental Health Challenges Let’s go deeper into some common struggles: - ** Depression **: Feeling empty, tired, hopeless, disconnected from joy. - ** Anxiety **: Racing thoughts, fear of failure, overthinking, physical symptoms like sweating or panic attacks. - ** OCD **: Religious scrupulosity—feeling wudu or salah are never perfect. - ** ADHD **: Trouble focusing, impulsive reactions, forgetfulness. - ** Trauma **: From abuse, bullying, rejection, or chronic stress. Many suffer silently. What makes it worse is being told it’s “just in your head” or “you’re not being grateful.” That invalidation pushes people deeper into despair.
How It Affects Moms Differently For mothers, especially those in Muslim cultures, the expectation to be strong, patient, and selfless can become overwhelming. A mother may be silently suffering through: - Postpartum depression - Emotional abandonment - Marital stress - Loss of identity But she keeps cooking, cleaning, smiling—until she breaks. The Prophet ﷺ used to check on the emotional state of his wives. He never mocked sadness, and he listened without blame. As a community, we must support mothers with empathy, not guilt.
How It Affects Teens Differently Teenagers are in a unique crisis. Their brains are still developing. They face hormonal changes, social pressures, body image struggles, academic stress, and now—cyberbullying and Instagram-perfect standards. A teenage girl may stop praying—not because she lost faith, but because she is depressed. A boy may lash out—not because he is rebellious, but because he feels unseen. Parents must stop assuming and start asking: “How is your heart?” “How is your mind?” These questions open doors to healing.
Girls and Prohibited Pregnancies Now let’s speak about the girls who are most silenced—those who have gone through prohibited relationships or non-marital pregnancies. They are often met with shame, disownment, or religious fear. But they need: - Mercy - Counseling - Safety Allah says in Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): *“O My servants who have wronged themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah.”* He forgives all sins. Our job is not to punish people into repentance—it’s to hold them through it.
Gender Differences in Mental Health Men and women experience mental health differently. - **Women** often internalize pain: anxiety, sadness, guilt. - **Men** externalize: anger, numbness, isolation. Girls are more vulnerable to eating disorders and body image anxiety. Boys may suffer silently because they’re told to “man up.” In both cases, silence kills. Our Prophet ﷺ never mocked emotion. He cried at deaths, comforted children, and hugged grieving companions. Emotional intelligence is Sunnah.
The Data 75% of mental health conditions begin before age 24 Women and teens face higher rates of anxiety and depression Cultural stigma delays help-seeking New studies show Qur’an recitation reduces anxiety, stress, and depression 📈 Your silence should never be the cost of your healing.
Mental Health Mental Illness Vs. Everyone has it ✔ It’s about coping, emotions, relationships ✔ Can be nurtured through lifestyle, support, spirituality ❌ Not everyone has it ❌ Conditions like depression, OCD, PTSD, ADHD ❌ May need therapy, medication, support networks
Causes and Risk Factors Genetics and family history Abuse, neglect, or trauma Stress, bullying, academic or social pressure Lack of emotional expression or support Cultural silence or “saving face”
Seeking Help Realize you’re struggling Talk to a trusted person Contact a therapist, counselor, or helpline Stay consistent and compassionate with yourself
Overthinking or panic attacks Signs and Symptoms Withdrawing from friends/family Sleeping too much or too little Irritability or mood swings Trouble focusing Sudden changes in appetite
“After my panic attack, I kept it to myself for a long time. I thought it made me weak. But once I shared it with a mentor and heard, ‘I’m here for you,’ something changed. Healing began.” Stories like these help us understand: 🎤 You’re not broken 🎤 You’re not alone 🎤 Your story matters Personal Stories
Coping Through Faith Islam is deeply healing. Allah provides us with spiritual tools: - **Dua of distress**: *“La ilaha illa anta, subhanaka inni kuntu min al- zalimin ”* — like Yunus (AS) in the whale. - **Surah Duha**: Sent when the Prophet ﷺ felt abandoned. - **Sujood**: Your forehead on the ground—most intimate healing space with Allah. Faith doesn’t mean ignoring therapy. It means combining dua with action. As the Prophet ﷺ said: *“Tie your camel and place your trust in Allah.”* Do the work, and trust the result.
Self-Care and Coping Strategies Deep breathing and grounding techniques Journaling your emotions Faith, prayer, and Qur’an listening Connecting with friends or mentors Saying “no” when you’re overwhelmed or Getting sunlight, sleep, and proper food
Practical Healing Actions What does healing look like practically? - Going to therapy with an open heart - Journaling what you feel and what you’re grateful for - Building a support system - Avoiding toxic comparisons on social media - Saying no when your soul is tired - Making time for dhikr, Qur’an, and movement It’s okay to need help. Even Maryam (AS) said: *“I wish I had died before this.”* (Surah Maryam 19:23). Yet, Allah supported her with food, water, and reassurance. He didn’t rebuke her. He nourished her. We must do the same for each other.
Conclusion You Are Not Alone Whether you’re a mother or a teen, struggling in silence ends today. Support is available, and healing is possible. Faith Meets Psychology Science proves what our faith has always taught—Qur’an recitation and dhikr calm the mind and uplift the soul. Take the First Step Speak. Share. Seek help. Even a small step toward healing is a big step toward peace.
Conclusion Let us end with three promises to ourselves: 1. I will no longer suffer in silence. 2. I will support others without judgment. 3. I will seek healing through both faith and action. Allah does not expect perfection—He expects effort. May He reward ours and grant us healing. Dua: *“Ya Allah, heal our hearts, quiet our thoughts, and strengthen our souls.”* Ameen.
Any Question?
Any Questions? We now open this space to you. Please feel safe to ask, share, or simply reflect. Your voice matters. Your healing matters. Let’s hold each other gently today.
Resources 🇴🇲 Oman Ministry of Health – Mental Health Services 📞 800-77799 (Toll-Free Hotline) 🏥 Mental Health Clinics available in government hospitals 🌐 moh.gov.om Psychological Services Oman (Private) 📞 +968 9414 0912 🌐 psychservicesoman.com 🇵🇰 Pakistan Umang Pakistan – Mental Health Helpline 📞 0311-7786264 (Text or Call) 🌐 umangpakistan.org Free therapy & suicide prevention, especially for youth Rozan Counseling Helpline 📞 +92 51 8444441 🧠 Offers trauma, abuse, and youth mental health services Taskeen Mental Health 🌐 taskeen.org Awareness, peer support, and therapist directory 🇮🇳 India iCall (TISS Mumbai – Confidential & Free) 📞 +91 9152987821 🌐 www.icallhelpline.org AASRA – Suicide Prevention Helpline 📞 +91 9820466726 (24/7) 🌐 aasra.info Fortis Mental Health Helpline 📞 +91 8376804102 Trained psychologists available for free counseling 🕌 Muslim-Faith-Based Support Naseeha Mental Health (Global, Faith-Based) 📞 1-866-627-3342 (Canada/US) 🌐 naseeha.org – Online chat for international users 🕋 Combines Islamic values with professional therapy 🇮🇳 India iCall (TISS Mumbai – Confidential & Free) 📞 +91 9152987821 🌐 www.icallhelpline.org AASRA – Suicide Prevention Helpline 📞 +91 9820466726 (24/7) 🌐 aasra.info Fortis Mental Health Helpline 📞 +91 8376804102 Trained psychologists available for free counseling 🕌 Muslim-Faith-Based Support Naseeha Mental Health (Global, Faith-Based) 📞 1-866-627-3342 (Canada/US) 🌐 naseeha.org – Online chat for international users 🕋 Combines Islamic values with professional therapy
Resources If you or someone you know needs help: - **India**: iCall (TISS), AASRA, Vandrevala Foundation - **Pakistan**: Rozan Helpline, Taskeen.org , Umang - **Middle East**: Takalam (UAE), Ayadi (Qatar), Nafsy (KSA) - **Faith-based**: Naseeha, Muslim Thrive, Yaqeen Institute’s mental health series Reach out. Healing starts with a conversation.
Following slides we’ve prepared a short guide with du’as and daily practices that helped me during my own journey through anxiety—especially during stressful. I hope it benefits you as much as it did me. Let’s leave this session not just informed—but transformed. Let’s be more present with our kids, more kind to ourselves, and more trusting in Allah’s plan. Because the One who placed fear in our hearts… also gave us the tools to rise above it. Jazakum Allahu Khairan . Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu .
How To Overcome Anxiety, Fears and Hardships
Introduction Human beings are surely a complex species. Despite having all that they could ever need or desire, they can be discontent with life. A person upon whom Allah has bestowed great blessings can be envious of another. Many of these factors can indeed lead to depression. Similarly, humans are also very emotional. Being under various kinds of pressure can, by all means, result in anxiety, stress, and tension. Anxiety , stress , and depression can have severe consequences for our daily lives. These health problems can affect our ability to work or study and reduce our productivity. This can affect relationships as one may become anti-social as a result. Most of all, it affects our personal well-being and our relationship with Allah, as a result. For human beings, these are troublesome psychological traits that can impact our everyday lives. Since this is all related to mental health rather than physical, there are no sure shot medications to resolve it. However, as Muslims, we believe in Allah and turn to Him for all solutions. As stated in Surah ash- Shu’ara , it is Allah who cures one when he is unwell. Improving our state of mind in these moments is critical. Therefore, we must turn to Allah for help. Thankfully, there are Islamic ways to reduce stress as Islam is a practical religion. There are many practices & duas from the Prophetic Sunnah that we can utilize in these situations for our betterment. Here, we look at few of the practices(Keys) and most authentic duas for stress that we can act and recite in such circumstances. We present the duas in Arabic and simultaneously the English meanings. Thus, we must turn to duas for our benefit, including duas for stress, anxiety, and depression.
ANXIETY
Powerful Islamic Teachings To Overcome Anxiety and Stress
"I'll handle it".
Turn to Allah with Tawakkul
Diet, sleep, and exercise – are the pillars of physical health.
Diet
Sleep
Exercise
Nurturing Our Minds with Faith and Science
Positive Qur’anic Affirmations
💔 When Life Hurts…
The Slip and the Return
Dua for Reclaiming Worth & Strength: Daily Practice (Recommended): 1. Name to Recite: "Ya Jabbar" (The Restorer) – 11 times after Fajr For healing, emotional strength, and restoring your self-worth. 2. Affirmation: “Allah chose me. I am not my past. I am what Allah is making of me.” 3. Qur’anic Ayah to Reflect: “Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Qur’an 2:153) 4. If you are struggling to stay consistent in your spiritual journey? strengthen Imaan, deepen your connection with Allah, and develop daily Islamic habits that transform your life. Build strong foundations in Salah Develop a powerful Quran routine Learn, reflect, and grow every single day Start your journey today – one day at a time. This isn’t just a routine, it’s a path to peace, purpose, and closeness to Allah.
Dua to turn Fear into Faith
One of the best duas for stress and sadness
Dua for seeking refuge and ease worries
Dua affirming Allah as the One Lord
This comprehensive du’a asks Allah for all good, protection from all evil, Jannah, and to make every decree in your life good for you.
Seeking Allah’s help can be considered as one of the duas for stress
Allah is the Only Creator and Sustainer
Allah can make anything easy
Amongst the duas for stress are asking for Allah’s forgiveness
O Allah, protect our children from all harm, grant them complete health, sound bodies, pure hearts, and firm faith. Guide them to righteousness and piety. Make them among those who love You and love Your Prophet ﷺ . Make them a source of comfort for their parents. Rectify them and make them a means of goodness for others. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds. اللّهُمَّ احْفَظْ أَوْلَادَنَا مِنْ كُلِّ سُوءٍ ، وَارْزُقْهُم صِحَّةً تَامَّةً ، وَجِسْمًا سَلِيمًا ، وَقَلْبًا نَقِيًّا ، وَإِيمَانًا رَاسِخًا ، وَهُدًى وَتُقًى ، وَجَعَلْهُم مِمَّنْ يُحِبُّونَك وَيُحِبُّونَ نَبِيَّكَ ﷺ ، وَاجْعَلْهُم قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لِوَالِدَيْهِمْ ، وَأَصْلِحْهُمْ وَأَصْلِحْ بِهِمْ . آمِينَ يَا رَبَّ العَالَمِينَ