The GW Muslim Student Association (MSA) came together to host a discussion on Muslim mental health Friday night. The event was entitled A Night of Hope and covered four topics: depression, body image, relationship issues, and issues facing Muslims in College.
For each issue covered a student speaker shared a past experience and experts shared information for those dealing with the issue. The student speakers were Aisha Aulakh, Huma Chaudry, Khadijah Abdullah, and Farrah Hassain.
Hassain shared her experiences on growing up as a young Muslim in post-9/11 world and the effect it had on her seeking counseling. Aulakh discussed being diagnosed with clinical depression and bipolar disorder in high school. “It came to a point where I asked myself if everyone was actually happier than me or just better at pretending,” said Aulakh.
MSA President, Aabid Mohiuddin, decided to do this event because of the lack of mental health awareness within factions of the Muslim community. “Its especially saddening to see parents, imams, and friends turn a person away on the basis of religion,” said Mohiuddin. “The truth is that Islam is very aware of the trials that affect each and every person.”
Other speakers included a practicing psychologist from Virginia, counselors from the University Counseling Center, and GW chaplain Meraj Allahrkaha. The event also included a moment of silence in honor Sean Keefer, a freshman that passed away last Tuesday.
Audience members were impressed with the event. “It was very relevant to what an American Muslim deals with on a daily basis,” said sophomore Aisha Iqbal. Others who came to support a friend even learned something. “It was eye-opening about issues that I thought I understood and knew something about,” said first year student Hatice Cagla Gunaydin.
MSA was pleased with the event and believe it gave individuals the opportunity to learn more about their culture and community. “I hope that it gave individuals the knowledge and courage to seek professional help if they need it,” said Mohiuddin. “I hope it gave the community an understanding on how to recognize and support people who are struggling.”
The group was founded in 1984.