One in every five Canadians will suffer from a mental health challenge in any given year. Mental health touches all Canadians indirectly at some point, whether through their personal experience or that of a family member, friend, or colleague.
The Islamic community in Winnipeg faces significant mental health challenges. Non-profit organizations like the Manitoba Islamic Association hold workshops throughout the year to educate and support the community in their mental health journeys.
Journalist Zuher Almusre from U Multicultural Channel spoke with Khalid Iqbal founder and director of Rahmaa Institute. This non-profit organization studies family issues experienced by Muslims living in North America. According to Iqbal mental health is a real issue facing the American and Canadian public, and the Muslim community is not exempt from this.
“We, as Muslims, are not different from anybody else. We all suffer from it because of our many issues, whether finances, relationships, health, or any other issues we can face. Especially here in Manitoba, the winter season affects people’s mental health.”
Winter is a challenging time. Lack of outdoor activities, less sunlight, and fewer community engagements can dramatically affect one’s mental state. The pandemic took an even greater toll. Environmental factors such as access to safe and affordable housing, meaningful education, and employment impact our mental health. Government-funded mental health programs and initiatives are key to supporting the mental health of Canadians.
Canadians spend an estimated $950 million per year on private practice psychologists. About 30 percent of this is paid out of pocket, with the remaining covered by employer-based private health insurance coverage.
There isn’t a simple way to balance mental health; it’s a constant effort where one must always be vigilant. However, increased awareness and support programs and systems can make that balancing act a little bit easier.
– Zuher Almusre, U Multicultural
Saturday, September 30th, will mark the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. First recognized across the country in 2021 with orange t-shirts, flags, and other clothing items, many of which read “Every Child Matters,” as an acknowledgement of the genocide which took place in these government-funded residential schools, half ofContinue Reading
In a recent video interview with Gary Senft, a dedicated advocate for peace and harmony, we gain valuable insights into the profound mission of Peace Days. This platform seeks to inspire and cultivate empathy, kindness, and understanding on multiple levels, spanning local, national, and global communities. At its core, PeaceContinue Reading
https://youtu.be/oVbeadf_XDM Bolivia y México, dos países asombrosos con ricas herencias culturales e históricas. Sin embargo, para dos jóvenes, Simone Scott Lizarraga y Tania Lopez Trizon, no eran lugares donde pudieran realizar sus ambiciones educativas y de vida. En su lugar, tomaron la decisión de embarcarse en una aventura en Canadá,Continue Reading
