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Tribune News Network
Doha
Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan can be an effective way to manage depression and anger, while it also helps strengthen self-restraint and patience, Ameera al Ishaq, clinical psychologist and Deputy Head of the Psychological Service Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has said.
“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 other communal aspects of Ramadan have been proven to impact mental health in a positive way,” said Ishaq.
She added, “These benefits are particularly pronounced for those experiencing depression and loneliness. 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 alleviating the symptoms of mental health illnesses. Ramadan can also be a great time to break unhealthy habits like smoking and to establish new, healthy habits.”
According to Ishaq fasting, and the spiritual and social practices that accompany it, can help some 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 angered. “Fasting and 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,” she said.
Ishaq said 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 the Qur’an and Sunnah provide useful guidance on addressing a range of emotions, including anger, adding that the Prophet Muhammad offered 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 believers make wudu’ as this will help them move away from a place of anger and allow time and space to think before speaking or reacting,” said Ishaq.
The Ministry of Public Health, HMC, and Primary Health Care Corporation wish to remind members of the public about the Ramadan Health website and companion smartphone and tablet app. The Ramadan Health website is Qatar’s first online resource devoted to health and wellness during the Holy Month.
Doha
Fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan can be an effective way to manage depression and anger, while it also helps strengthen self-restraint and patience, Ameera al Ishaq, clinical psychologist and Deputy Head of the Psychological Service Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has said.
“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 other communal aspects of Ramadan have been proven to impact mental health in a positive way,” said Ishaq.
She added, “These benefits are particularly pronounced for those experiencing depression and loneliness. 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 alleviating the symptoms of mental health illnesses. Ramadan can also be a great time to break unhealthy habits like smoking and to establish new, healthy habits.”
According to Ishaq fasting, and the spiritual and social practices that accompany it, can help some 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 angered. “Fasting and 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,” she said.
Ishaq said 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 the Qur’an and Sunnah provide useful guidance on addressing a range of emotions, including anger, adding that the Prophet Muhammad offered 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 believers make wudu’ as this will help them move away from a place of anger and allow time and space to think before speaking or reacting,” said Ishaq.
The Ministry of Public Health, HMC, and Primary Health Care Corporation wish to remind members of the public about the Ramadan Health website and companion smartphone and tablet app. The Ramadan Health website is Qatar’s first online resource devoted to health and wellness during the Holy Month.
