How does anti-Muslim bigotry and racists acts affect the minds of our youth? How can we prepare them to deal with constants attacks on their religion and own person? Can the youth be part of the solution?
For more than 20 years, the psychologist Monique Toohey has been working with Australia’s Muslim communities.
Hence through her experience and vision she is presenting social trends and crucial points to let us understand the magnitude of anti-Muslim bigotry.
What is vicarious trauma?
As we know the social Medias have backlashes that can damage our youths. One of them is generating vicarious trauma.
In simple words: one incident happened and we can all see or experience it on our screens.
As a matter of a fact the thing that will pop up in our mind is: “that could have been me!”
How Muslims experience racism and islamophobia?
One of the important notions she describes here is that Muslims are under attack from prominent people and people in power.
Indeed it reinforces the idea of being powerless and ignites despair
The lack of mental health resources for Muslims.
Yes it has been a struggle or Muslims with psychological pains to find the right structure to help them.
Mainly we would ask ourselves: “what will my people say if I have to take medication?”
How are the youth are leading the change?
After witnessing their parents struggle, the youth have understood the need for a system and the role they can play.
Moreover their ability in speaking more than one language when they come from immigrant families is a real game changer.
As a conclusion they are undertaking an important task in addressing mental health issues within the Muslim community, and they need the support of their elders.