ENGLISH-RELIGIOSITY AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE MISSING LINK

Abstract

With the increasing volume of mental health illness in Pakistan, there is always a need to develop effective methods for the amelioration of those mental illness. The modern science and technology have resulted in the development of sophisticated techniques and methods in the form of both psychotropic medicines, and psychotherapy to aid the mentally ill recover from mental illness. But the Western developed methods and techniques do not fully encompass the social aspects inherent in mentally ill people in Muslim societies. The need for the introduction and integration of Muslim form of psychotherapy is utmost and can not be ignored. The Muslim form of psychotherapy is built upon the Islamic teachings and principles and employs techniques such as meditation, reading, and performing religious duties. The goal of such Islamic techniques is to restore the equilibrium and make the mentally ill person to regain meanings in life by exploring knowledge and redefining one’s relationship with Allah. Allah is the supreme authority and chief therapist in Islamic model. The psychotherapist facilitates the mentally ill person find the lost meaning and to follow the right path towards utilizing one’s full potential.

Keywords

• Mental Illness
• Mental Health
• Muslim Psychotherapy
• Psychotherapist
• Religiosity