Jul 23, 20203 min read

Mental Health in Muslim Americans

Muslims face the most religious discrimination in America, surpassing all other religious groups. In addition, Muslims are often perceived as a monolithic group. They are negatively stereotyped and are subjected to structural discrimination. Over 60% of Muslim Americans reported religious discrimination, and 1 in 3 Muslim Americans perceived discrimination in a healthcare setting. In 2010, it was revealed that only 30% of Americans had favorable views of Islam. Through all the challenges a Muslim American faces, it’s deeply upsetting to realize that there are barely any resources dedicated to helping Muslim Americans. With such a huge stigma within the Muslim community, why isn’t Muslim American Mental Health given enough attention?

After 9/11, Islamophobia has had a significant increase. Muslim families all across the country faced threats. The media was full of hateful messages depicting a peaceful religion in a horrendous way. Muslims were treated in ways that would not be tolerated by any other religion. 82% of Muslim families felt unsafe in America, which led to many Muslims suffering from PTSD.

In the Muslim community, social stigma remains strong. Although Muslims support mental healing, concerns about their family’s social standing make mental health seem “shameful”. A Muslim is 36.5% less likely to get married if they suffer a mental health disorder. They have become afraid to reach out for help not only because of what society will think of them but also because they are scared they will be denied the help they need. Islamophobia is a huge problem in America. No one should be judged because of their religion. The stigma Muslim Americans face has a huge impact on their mental health and it is important for us to educate ourselves in order to help break the barriers.

Did you know?:

Muslim Youth Helpline conducted a survey in 2019 of 1,077 Muslims aged 16-30. The surveys results were the following:

32% have suffered through suicidal thoughts
63% have suffered from anxiety.
25% had identity struggles.
52% have suffered from depression.
37% of adolescents went to nobody for support when they had an issue.
40% of Muslims don’t believe they have enough easy access to help when they need it.

To educate yourself further:

“Mental Health Disparities: Muslim Americans” by the American Psychiatric Association
- Educates readers on the disparities and social determinants of mental health in the Muslim American community. The article includes various statistics and facts supporting its research.
“Working With Muslims: Perspectives and Suggestions for Counseling” by Shifa Podikunju-Hussain
- Informs readers about the Muslim population in the US, their religious/cultural beliefs, and the synthesis of tension. It also brings up the implications for counseling American Muslims.
“Issues to Consider When Engaging Muslim Youth in Psychiatric Care” by American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Informs readers about which issues to consider when engaging with young Muslim Americans in psychiatric care. The article also brings up the aftermath effects of 9/11 on the Muslim American community regarding Islamophobia, racism, stereotyping, prejudice, and etc.

Resources available for Muslim Americans:

Institute for Muslim Mental Health
- Promotes Muslim Americans' Mental Health through research, resource development, training, and advocacy.
Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)
- A nonprofit organization that provides objective research, education, and equips Muslim Americans with any available resources and opportunities. Their website contains a Mental Health Toolkit for the group as well as educational handouts.
Pillars Fund
- An innovative foundation whose goal is to amplify voices in the Muslim American community and bring awareness to issues affecting it. The foundation does this through collaborative giving, grants, and programs.