Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Clinical Psychologist Ameera Al Ishaq, says fasting during the holy month of Ramadan can be an effective way to manage depression and anger and to strengthen self-restraint and patience.
According to Al Ishaq, the social traditions that accompany the practice of fasting can have a number of mental and emotional benefits. During Ramadan, families sit down together to break their fast each evening and this and many of the other communal aspects of Ramadan have been proven to impact mental health in a positive way.
These benefits are particularly pronounced for those experiencing depression and loneliness, added Al Ishaq. Engaging in fasting can bring families and social groups closer together and this can be reassuring for individuals who are managing depression or anxiety. Fasting can be a natural way to alleviate the symptoms of many mental health illnesses. Ramadan can also be a great time to break unhealthy habits like smoking and to establish new, healthy habits.
Fasting can help individuals cope
Fasting and the spiritual and social practices that come with it can help individuals cope with many of the stresses of daily life. The practice of fasting can also help improve self-restraint and support anger management in individuals who are easily triggered.
Fasting and (the) associated acts of worship, such as the Taraweeh prayer, encourage communication and social interaction. For many individuals, the prayers, and the act of praying as a group can have a calming effect.
Al Ishaq said that in addition to causing family conflict, uncontrolled anger and anxiety have long-term negative physical effects and can cause increased heart rate, high blood pressure, narrowing of blood vessels and increased clotting, all of which can be heart attack triggers.
She said that the Qur’an and Sunnah provide useful guidance on addressing a range of emotions, including anger, and that Prophet Muhammad offers guidance on how to control anger and overcome the inclination to become angry.
We are guided to sit down, break the sequence of events, and seek refuge in Allah as a way to move past anger. It is recommended that believers make Wuḍū as this will help them move away from a place of anger and allow time and space to think before speaking or reacting.
Follow this link for more Ramadan health tips.
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