An Insight into Mental Health Culture in Our Society

As usual, daily before crossing the Qalandiya barrier on my way back home, I look around hoping to find elderly people who are struggling to pass the checkpoint with less hardship and humiliation. Most of the time, I find an opportunity to gain God's pleasure. Yesterday, I had two companions, one an educator and the other a trader. The educator started by thanking and praising me after he said, "God bless you, Doctor," which prompted the second person to interrupt, asking: "Are you a doctor? I would like to consult you regarding a health issue I have." I replied, "I am not a medical doctor; I am a psychologist working in the field of educational and psychological counseling." He responded, "So you are one of those who interfere with God's decree, like the sorcerers." I said, "God forbid, we collaborate with mental health professionals to help individuals suffering from behavioral disorders and psychological obsessions, such as epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or feelings of frustration and repression through sessions conducted by a specialized therapist, who tries as much as possible to avoid prescribing medications that may cause negative symptoms for the person suffering from those symptoms." He said, "Honestly, I didn’t understand much and I still doubt that you try to intervene in the fate decreed by the Creator for that person." I replied, "God forbid, we deal with such cases from a perspective that combines science and religion." Science and religion are two realms that never contradict in function. The purpose of science is to challenge the prevailing and inherited beliefs and replace them with better ones; thus, most of it focuses on questioning evidence and applications, as stated in Quranic texts and honorable prophetic traditions. When dealing with critical cases, it is essential to recognize that each has its domain and function which should complement and meet, while avoiding contrived conflict. Science embodies the inquiry about evidence and applications aimed at critique and improvement. Since human beings are honored in both Islam and science, the need arose for a cognitive and ethical alignment from both scientific and religious perspectives in dealing with these cases, preserving the dignity of the patient, the sanctity of life, and the freedom of moral decision-making. While religion provides certainty and basic existentialism in medical practices, emergency cases are addressed through jurisprudential rules which may sometimes necessitate urgent procedural decisions in the absence of the patient's consent or that of their guardian. It is recommended to have collaborative efforts between specialists in sharia and doctors to confront these issues, which require clinical treatment. Family involvement in medical decisions is sometimes necessary, with a continual respect for dignity and privacy, balancing between therapeutic interests and humane values, and avoiding practices that conflict with ethics or religious beliefs as stated in sacred texts. Some may see a clear contradiction between science and religion, as each establishes its rules according to personal understanding. This is where conflicting opinions arise, as each side believes there are specific areas where they do not converge or oppose, rather they approach matters from different angles. However, it is legally stated that in emergency cases, priority is given to the patient's life and health. The first person (the educator) then interjected, suggesting the necessity of coordinating and specializing cooperation between faculties of sharia, faculties of psychology, and psychotherapists to elucidate such jurisprudential matters and focus on adhering to ethical principles, accuracy, and keeping personal interests at bay to ensure the integration of science and religion, both of which call for the preservation of life as a professional, ethical, and humanitarian duty, since both sanctify life. Given that psychological and spiritual support strengthens psychological immunity and recovering is a form of worship and tranquility for the patient, integrating medicine and faith is essential. Healing and treatment are scientific necessities, explicitly mentioned in sacred texts, from the perspective of taking reasons into account. It is thus prohibited legally to leave a patient in psychological suffering, later turning them into a burden on the small community (their family) and the larger society in which they live. Before we reached the bus station, the second person told me: "Honestly, you've confused my mind, and I will look to see if this is the position of religion regarding psychological treatment." I replied, as he was about to get off, "We don't have enough time for me to recite verses from the Book of God that support my statements, but in brief, I remind you of the great importance of fearing God in every little detail, and I hope you are among those who fear their Lord in the unseen, and do not fall into committing shameful acts so that your life does not become constricted. I ask God to guide you to be among those who receive wisdom with an understanding ear, and seek the right path."