Pulitzer Center’s Post

Latest published article from the Journal of Muslim Mental Health Volume 17 • Issue 2 • 2023 Original Article Belonging as a Predictor of Substance Use for Muslim American Emerging Adults Hanan Hashem, Haroon Dossani, Minha Ghani, Ahmad Shafaat Ahsen and Celine Morshed https://lnkd.in/gA4xqYMq Belonging is a crucial yet under-examined need among Muslim American emerging adults, who often face discrimination and ostracization during this transitional period. These challenges may lead to increased substance use as a coping mechanism, compounded by the cultural and religious taboo surrounding substance use. This demographic may thus be at higher risk for negative mental health outcomes compared to their non-Muslim peers. The study surveyed 183 Muslim American young adults, finding moderate substance use, with nearly half reporting lifetime use. A key finding is that a stronger sense of belonging to the Muslim community is associated with lower substance use, highlighting the need for culturally tailored prevention and intervention strategies.

For my mental health I couldn't do my post for World Mental Health Day. Sometimes we need time to let clarity of thought to set in, wait for the emotions to settle, speak to people around us and give time for prayer and reflection. There is a lot of good in my life, a lot to be grateful for but being the person I am, it is difficult to make sense of what is happening in Gaza. Ever since my teen years when I learnt about the systematic oppression and victimisation of the Palestinian people, I hoped and prayed for people to see them as humans with the right to exist and live. The reality is we live in a world where it is ok to commit genocide. Some lives matter more than others. Everyone calls for equality but all they mean is the balance has to shift their own favour. Very few people understand and live by justice and equality. I'm lucky to know the few that exist and my hope lies in the these voices of reason. We live in a world where knowledge and connectivity are at our fingertips, yet humans are more disconnected. Brains have been reprogrammed to be fed information rather than question to seek answers. I could have chosen to be neutral in a conflict that is both controversial and exists beyond my immediate world, but neutrality in the face of a bully, in essence, gives the bully my support. That in good conscience, I cannot do. For my mental health and yours, I hope we are all able to explore our core values and have the strength to hold on to them. Image by Photo by Rami Gzon on Unsplash - Protest for Palestine, Hannover, Germany. ************************************* Disclaimer: The views expressed are my own and does not reflect the view of my associates or affiliations.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In thinking about building generational wealth and community among Vietnamese Americans, I wanted to explore a concept that affected me deeply growing up as a son of refugees following the Vietnam War: intergenerational trauma. In my personal life, I would bear witness to matters concerning close friends and family, including problem gambling, divorce, childhood neglect, social isolation, silent coping, depression, suicidal tendencies, burn out, financial duress, bad financial behaviors, hoarding, filial piety pressures, and family disgrace and disowning. My dream is to see a mature cultural framework, including UX design practices, that address intergenerational and collective trauma.

🌍 World Schizophrenia Awareness Day: A Call for Compassion and Support in Syria and Beyond🌍 Today, on World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, we turn our attention to the millions of individuals living with schizophrenia, particularly in regions facing humanitarian crises like Syria. Schizophrenia is a severe mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can be incredibly challenging to manage, even in the best of circumstances. In countries like Syria, where conflict and instability have disrupted lives and healthcare systems, the struggle for those with schizophrenia is even more profound. Access to mental health services is limited, and the stigma surrounding mental illness can be overwhelming. 💔 Why It Matters: - Humanitarian Crisis Impact: The ongoing conflict in Syria has left many without basic necessities, let alone mental health support. The trauma of war exacerbates mental health conditions, making it crucial to address these needs. - Stigma and Misunderstanding: In many communities, mental health issues are misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to isolation and neglect of those who need help the most. - Lack of Resources: Mental health services are often underfunded and understaffed, making it difficult for individuals to receive the care they need. 🌟 How We Can Help: 1. Raise Awareness: Share information about schizophrenia and the challenges faced by those in crisis regions. Knowledge is the first step towards empathy and change. 2. Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for better mental health policies and funding, both locally and globally. 3. Show Compassion: Reach out to those around you who may be struggling. A kind word or a listening ear can go a long way. On this World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, let’s stand in solidarity with those affected by schizophrenia, especially in Syria and other regions in crisis. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, and everyone has the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. #WorldSchizophreniaAwarenessDay #MentalHealthMatters #SupportSyria #EndTheStigma #GlobalCompassion 💙🧠💙

Today on World Mental Health Day, let's take a moment to remember those living in conflict zones, recovering from post-war trauma, and displaced from their homes. According to WHO, 22% of people living in these areas suffer from mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Women are more likely to be affected than men, and the burden only increases with age. The impact on children is particularly devastating, as they may carry the scars for a lifetime, creating a generation of wounded wounders. Let's work together to raise awareness and support those affected by mental health issues in conflict zones and beyond. #WorldMentalHealthDay2023 Läkarmissionen / LM International Josephine Sundqvist, PhD Martina Lastikova Catholic Relief Services Gösta Melkersson Getrude Matshe Gomolemo Lolo Madikgetla [UNGWA Africa] - Cocreating Meaningful Impact The Proposed Hekima University Batanai Padya

Read this.... 💡 Mental health is a critical issue affecting many young people in Tanzania 🇹🇿 (My Country) and across East Africa. In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in mental health challenges among the youth, driven by various factors such as economic hardships, societal pressures, and the lack of adequate mental health services. The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents young people from seeking the help they need, leading to severe consequences on their well-being and future. It's essential to create an environment where mental health is openly discussed and addressed. By promoting mental health awareness, providing education, and ensuring access to mental health services, we can help our youth navigate these challenges. Together, we can break the stigma and build a supportive community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Raising Awareness about Catatonia and Understanding the Silent Struggles I want to share a personal story that has stayed with me since my childhood, as it relates to the condition called catatonia. It was a vivid memory of passing by a major road with my Mom, where we encountered a man in an inexplicable state. Bent in an incredibly awkward position, this man seemed frozen in time. Normally, such a posture would be excruciatingly painful for any individual. Yet, here he was, motionless, his gaze fixed upon the skies above. People whispered that he had remained like this for days. As a young child, I couldn't comprehend what I was witnessing. How could someone endure such discomfort without flinching? It sparked a curiosity within me, a desire to understand the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. Reflecting on that encounter, I began to question the nature of human experiences. Typically, when I sit in a particular position for an extended period, my body screams for a change—an ache, a restlessness that demands movement. Yet, this man seemed unaffected by the discomfort that would torment most of us. Little did I know at the time that what I had witnessed was catatonia—a state of being that defies conventional understanding. Catatonia, often associated with various psychiatric and medical conditions, is characterized by motor abnormalities, altered consciousness, and communication challenges. The man I saw was likely experiencing catatonia, trapped within his own internal world of thoughts and emotions. His stillness, though puzzling to me as a child, was a manifestation of a complex condition that affects countless individuals. Sadly, in Nigeria, mental health is poorly understood and carelessly approached. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects people globally. The earlier we understand these mental health complexities, the earlier interventions are provided for Individuals who need them. There are different types of schizophrenia, and these are people's everyday reality - laden with distortions and hallucinations. This is why I always implore people to prioritize their mental health. If you have any personal experiences, insights, or would like to contribute to the conversation, please reach out. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who silently struggle. #CatatoniaAwareness #UnderstandingComplexity #EmpathyMatters #MindOverMatters #Schizophrenia

MAY- MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. As a Psychologist, I consider it as my duty to put the accent on this horrible date. 03.05. 2023. will always be a Mourning Day in Serbia but also in whole Balkan. While finishing my Masters degree, I am writing my Thesis based on cluster B Personality disorders, so I've spend a lot of time exploring and researching this case, amongst some others. As somebody who was working with children for many years, I've never seen a child as a problem. Check the parents and you'll get the whole picture. BASIC PROFILING AND SYCHOANALYSIS: -Kosta Kecmanovic,the 14 years old killer from Belgrade. -A child of ambitious and successful parents. -Speaking multiple languages, played sport, went to acting classes, competing and winning. -His case follows the pattern of neglected older child (has a younger sister) provided by the material and lack of emotional support while pushed to be great at everything. ALARMING: Kosta's father took him to shooting lessons -Father owned the weapons his son used later. -Kosta's desperate need for attention leads to development of typical 'God's syndrom'. -Evidently we are speaking about Narcissistic Psychopath and Sociopath. (Cluster B PD) -School life: a great student, he wasn't abused and he was loved. (The girls he killed absolutely loved him and he was generally very popular amongst his fellow colleagues.) 03.05.2023.was the day when a thirteen year-old went to his Primary School and decided to become a mass murderer. Without regret during his act and without any feelings or emotions afterwards. Later,he was taken to Psychiatric Clinic where he's acting as he is in some type of vacay while demanding all kinds of services in order to collaborate with the Police.The only thing mentioned was his incredible hatred for his mother with whom he has better relationship than with his father. How is possible that a year later, Serbian Court hasn't done anything about all the lifes that were taken, all the victims that were injured, all the families who needed to go through this horrific tragedy in which 92 shots was shot on their children in school- a place where they believe tgere is protection and care as it should be. You see, this is maybe 'normal' (sadly) in US where you can buy guns in the same shops where you can buy toys, but IT IS NOT NORMAL in Balkan. It is NOT normal that parents don't know their children, that school doesn't have Psychologists and Analysts who will check on childrens mental health. It is not normal that Teachers don't know who their students are and how they behave since they have control and supervision over them for 8 hours or more, 5 days per week. A year later and none of the surviving victims or families who lost their children didn't get any justice for this horrible crime. With love and compassion for all the victims, Veronika K. Psychologist, Psychotherapist CBT, REBT, Arts Therapy Practitioner (and soon to be) MS of Science in Applied Psychology.

The intensity of one's emotional response to war isn't necessarily linked to direct exposure to violence. Psychological trauma from witnessing war, even from afar, can profoundly affect mental well-being, regardless of physical safety. That’s why it is important to take care of one’s mental health. Together with the EU, UNDP organized the "Better to Know About It" campaign to raise awareness of mental health challenges in Ukraine. It included information on psychological first aid, how to help a person experiencing a panic attack, and how to cope with anxiety and stress through exercises. This video shows how to cope with a stressful situation, using an exercise called "Secret tapping." Watch the rest of the videos via the link in the first comment to this post.

Mental health is going to be the biggest epidemic in the next few years I don't know about you, but I'm struggling emotionally and mentally. The struggle is real over here. And I know I'm not the only one. A few days ago, I finally forced myself to get out in the sun and get some vitamin D (it helped, by the way 🌞). According to a study by Wits University, South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries. No surprises here. We have the highest income inequality and high GBV rates; the socio-economic conditions are terrible for most; and most of us have experienced childhood trauma, not to mention generational trauma. To top it all off, many white South Africans and Apartheid apologists are gaslighting us while we watch in horror the genocide unfolding in Palestine by Apartheid Israel. Not forgetting our SADC brothers and sisters in Congo. You get the picture—it's bad all around. What is most concerning about this study is that only a very small number of us receive treatment. How do we heal South Africa's mental health? 💚Adult mental health services are urgently needed, especially for those identified as most vulnerable; 💚 According to the research it's important to understand the causes of depression and anxiety to offer the right kind of treatment; 💚 Intervention and counselling services  should be a priority for older, widowed, divorced or separated adults, and those who are less educated and have fewer resources; 💚 Primary healthcare facilities must have mental health services and screenings; 💚 Mental health needs to be a higher priority in healthcare, education (basic and higher), in our workplaces, communities and homes. Personally, I am a huge advocate for self-care practices becoming a part of your routine. Prevention is better than cure. And I know it's not a cure for all mental health challenges, but it's certainly a starting point. To be honest, I found myself struggling partly because I slowly started to neglect some self-care practices that help me. I started to see self-care as a luxury and not a necessity. The good news is that I am back on track and doing much better, and I hope you are too 💚 #selfcare #mentalhealth