There are many difficulties and problems faced by this generation of young people. From poverty and unemployment to a lack of good education and substance abuse, all of which are huge problems we experience. But one problem that needs awareness is mental health among young people in South Africa. 

Mental health has become a stigmatised topic in this country, and it is sad to say that many people are avoiding the conversation. Concerns around mental health form a much-needed conversation in our society – and it is long overdue. We need to accept that it is okay to not be okay. Nkini Pasha, a board member at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, said in an interview that the reason there is stigma around mental health is because people do not fully understand what mental health is and the fear of the unknown fuels this stigma.

In many South African households, mental health is not considered a real illness and in some cultures, the idea of people suffering from these issues is frowned upon.

When I have conversations with people around mental health I often hear that mental health is a “Western” philosophy that does not exist in Islam. As a Muslim, I want to address some of the misconceptions that are associated with the Quran and mental health.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There is no disease that Allah (swt) has created, except that he has created its treatment” (Sahih Bukhari). The Quran gives us guidance on how to deal with any emotional distress or any hopelessness we might feel and there are many verses that highlight the importance of our mental wellbeing.

My grandmother passed away in 2020. One of the most important people in my life. I find peace in knowing that it was her time and that whatever happens in this world was decreed by Allah (swt) and these are some of the things the Quran teaches us and that help us cope with grief. 

Mental health issues have various causes, whether it is the environment you live or work in, childhood traumas, your socioeconomic background, grief or even something as common as stress. All of these can lead to your mental health being compromised. This is something that exacerbates the problem because most teenagers are afraid to speak up when they feel depressed or anxious, knowing that their parents will not tolerate it or even give them a hearing for that matter. 

According to the statistics released by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, as many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety and depression. 

Young people are not only battling with anxiety or depression – others do not know they are suffering from these problems simply because it is not spoken about enough in order to recognise it. In most cases, people suffering from mental health issues do not see it as a problem. There is a fear of discrimination among young people about speaking about their mental wellbeing. In my experience, teenagers choose not to speak up because they fear being called names and losing friendships and even relationships with their families.

No good can come from keeping the state of your mental health a secret; it only makes it worse. It is easy to say that young people suffering from mental issues should get help, when the reality is we do not know where to start nor feel comfortable speaking out about these struggles. 

This is why having these conversations in society is so important, so that the young person with mental health problems can see and hear that there are people who care and are willing to help. Once we start speaking about it this opens the door for those who are suffering to join the conversation. This is a start and can instill hope for a better future. 

And there are other things that can be done to help. 

As a start, the government needs to invest more money in mental health for young people. Parents need to educate themselves on the matter so that they can gain an understanding and are able to help their children. Some schools and universities do offer student counselling, but the problem is that not many students are aware of these facilities. It should be mandatory that institutions do a better job at getting the word out among students through improved methods of promoting the facilities. 

It is never too late to join the conversation. So let this Youth Day be the day we stand up for change and start thinking about the mental health of our young people. DM