From grocery sanitation, face masks, and social-distancing, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a number of new normal habits that make people feeling lonelier and more depressed.
As stress weakens the immune system, according to the American Psychological Association, Muslim organizations are finding new ways to connect people virtually.
The Family and Youth Institute (FYI), an organization focused on mental health, marriage counseling and parenting from an Islamic perspective, created an online tool kit titled, Wellbeing in the Time of Coronavirus, Detroit Free Press reported.
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The free resource offers information about coping with the pandemic, including how to shift your mindset, cope with grief, and understand anxiety.
It also lists of Islamic resources, like supplications, prayers, and religious programming.
Reaching Out to People
Qabeelah Ittihaad, the Muslim chapter of Al Maghrib Institute, has come up with a system to reach out to people struggling emotionally.
Qabeelah Ittihaad made a contact form on their Facebook page to which anyone can add their name. A volunteer from Qabeelah Ittihaad then checks in with everyone on the list and people discuss whatever they want.
“We don’t claim to be providing mental health therapy. Some people just want to talk to somebody in a confidential way. Our main goal is just to listen to how they’re feeling. That can be very therapeutic,” Omar Malik, the head of Qabeelah Ittihaad, said.
The Islamic Center of America, a mosque in Dearborn, converted its classes to online platforms. The website allows people to contact imams or leaders of the mosque for support.
Ibrahim Kazerooni, an Imam of ICA, encouraged people to reconnect with God. He also reminded people of God’s promise in the Qur’an: “Verily, with every hardship is ease.”
? Read Also: 7 Most Misinterpreted Verses of the Quran
Tips for Relieving Stress
The United States has the largest number of infected individual. Muslims around the country are reporting higher incidences of sleeplessness nights, and anxiety, as the death toll steadily rises daily.
Anxiety and stress are global crises, as mental health helplines have reported an exponential increase in phone calls.
Click here for: Tips to Ease Anxiety and Stress amid the Coronavirus Outbreak
