For Some U.S. Muslims, Raw Talk on Suicide, Mental Health
September 10, 2021
Mental health experts and faith leaders are working together to prevent suicide in Muslim communities. According to Rania Awaad, director of Stanford University’s Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab, suicide is often seen as a sin in the Muslim faith. Together with religious leaders and activists, Awaad is aiming to destigmatize the subject by encouraging a more open dialogue. She is also working to provide Muslim communities with prevention guidance that is both evidence-based and culturally relevant. Following recent suicide deaths in a Texas Muslim community, Awaad conducted online postvention training with local religious leaders. She hopes that by the end of next year, 500 U.S. Muslim leaders will have received suicide prevention training.
Spark Extra! Learn more about preventing suicide in faith communities.