SomaliNet Forums

I wanted to lightly touch on something that is overlooked in our society. Our people are known for having one of the best hospitalities, lending a hand to strangers.

What really baffles me is why significant issues such as mental illness is rarely paid any attention or taken seriously. It is as if the word " mental illness" does not exist in our country, totally dismissed. If a certain people show symptoms of any particular illness it is automatically perceived to be "hebel jiniyo ama duulal ayu qaba". We are too quick to judge people before they can express themselves, which leads them to keep quiet due to the judgement and lack of confidentiality. Mental health issues can affect how a person thinks, interacts with other people and if undiagnosed it can be suicidal.

Having a good mental health is crucial for sense of wellbeing / self-esteem. It enables us to deal with life's challenges, form relationships which are positive and the use of our abilities to reach our potential. I certainly think mental illness should be addressed , possibly having small workshops that discuss the types of mental health, the symptoms and set up helpline.

Give your thoughts and positive tips on raising awareness.

Your making the same mistake as the western nations, there is no form of Mental illness without JINN being the reason. except depression and birth given illness, but on the other hand, those JINN enter with the permission of Allah non can remove them except his word.

Allah says clearly in the Quran we didn't created 2 souls in one body and if you ever hear voices its definitely ----

^ I am not dismissing the fact jinns possess as well, I am against it when it used as excuse across the border.

Biological factors such as genetics, chemistry and hormones or even the excessive use of alcohol, social factors such finanical problems or isolation may be the result of mental illness.

casanova25 you do know the brain is an organ in your body right?

sometimes organs are affected by some disease and you will need treatment don't you know that?

if you have 2 people in your head then you're definitely sick and should go see a psychiatrist

We lack education when concerning mental health issues. We Somalis use the Quran Saar method to treat any illness that shows signs of irrational thoughts or behaviour (which isn't bad) But they should also seek medical treatment. Mental health disorder is something that is looked down upon in our community. The vulnerable ones are locked away in shackles and are forgotten which is sad.

I think we need to hold reoccurring talks and and informative lectures regarding mental ill that the only way to bring about awareness. Education is the key.


Ps. Great topic quruxaay.

@V

Yh. I forgot to mention, head injuries, and cancer or even dementia are all natural disorder.

but the rest is Jinn related mental issues..

schio, anxiety disorder etc etc are all Jinn related.

Look guys there is nothing wrong with having PHD and being experienced doctor dealing with mental patients but sadly, the western nations dosen't have the methods or the understanding of what they are dealing with.

I have 2 friends with schio and believe me they give them pills to just kill them silently

my parents always explained to me how Jinns live far way from humans and never contact us.

plus anxieties can be treated. some disorders can't be treated though and please don't tell me jinns cause disorders like color blindness etc

Casanova25 wrote:Look guys there is nothing wrong with having PHD and being experienced doctor dealing with mental patients but sadly, the western nations dosen't have the methods or the understanding of what they are dealing with.

I have 2 friends with schio and believe me they give them pills to just kill them silently

I couldn't agree more about how prescription drugs kills mental patients silently. Unfortunately, these pills serve
their purposes so well that they act as "bullets". Only providing a one shot effect through the stomach, without taking account that Allah has provided us with complex organs (needing healthy symbiosis).

The only way to cure oneself is through only what god has provided us (herbs, fruits, vegetables, water, regular exercise, spiritual adherence, etc)

I feel like our community is so ignorant on the topic. People need more education about how to detect if a loved one has a mental illness and how to get them proper treatment. The Quran although can be helpful. It isn't necessarily medicine that we take such as anti-depressants etc.

Even a vitamin/mineral deficiency can make you lose your mind. Here read this Vitamin Deficiencies That Cause Psychiatric Symptoms
Scary stuff that will make you rethink your bariis & baasto diet and make you reach for those multivitamin pills.

Bella unfortunately mental health is a taboo subject, seen as something ceeb ah which should be hidden, as though it severely affects a family's reputation. We shun the issue and pills/medication/psychiatric help. We also have this crazy belief that people aren't mentally ill until they show very obvious signs of craziness, i/e/ "maryihii buu iska tuuray". Oo goortaas maxey wax tarayaan, maskax la daweeyoba majirtee?

@Amira & Yummymummy you are both correct.

Education will certainly break the jaahilnimo cycle.

Maahmaah I came across while ago which I found to be positive

("Ceeb looma dhinto, cadho lalama qarxo, cayna looma dhaawacmo").

I always notice people asking the same question; why are there so many crazy/mentally unstable people in the Somali community. Trauma, which increases the chance of mental illness, is sadly one of the many ramifications of being in perpetual war/conflict. Many Somalis of the older generation, weather kuuwi so qaxay ama kuwa dalka hooyo ku nool, have been conflicted with stressful and disturbing events and calamities. Many have seen qaraabo murdered or raped in front of them, lost land, been through periods of extended malnutrition, had their livelihood and assets destroyed. Wa imtixaan ilaahi no keenay. When these people resettle somewhere safe, if their fortunate enough that is, this sort of truama typically goes untreated...which like I mentioned earlier just increases the chances and opens the door for mental illnesses down the road.