Coping with illness in the month of Ramadan is not easy – it may be even harder as some of us lose our social support systems and face increased anxiety during this pandemic.
- For someone who struggles with a chronic illness, using coping tips and strategies is key to making the most of Ramadan.
- If you struggle with an eating disorder, ease your way into Ramadan with these 6 tips.
- When thinking about medications for mental illness, take these considerations into account when deciding to fast or not.
- If you are a health professional who works with Muslim patients, check out the following resource for guidance regarding general advice for fasting, modified pharmacotherapy, and other planning strategies as your patients prepare for this month.
Ramadan, for individuals struggling with mental illness, can sometimes feel isolating. Read the following personal narratives and know that you are not alone.
- Struggling with an Eating Disorder During Ramadan
- Tackling Ramadan With A Mental Health Condition
- Ramadan in the Shadows: Mental or Chronic Illness
Check out these resources for dealing with anxiety during Ramadan:
- How you can navigate anxiety during Ramadan
- How to regain calm and benefit from your time (start at 28:51)
- Learn the Four M’s of mental health and reduce anxiety.
- Rely on coping skills and self-care that can help reduce your stress
Original FYI articles on grief and anxiety around virus-related hospitalization and death.
- Helpless and Afraid – Handling Your Anxiety around a Loved One Who is Hospitalized
- Losing a Loved One During the Pandemic
Addiction
Dealing with any kind of addiction (substance, gambling, shopping, etc.) during Ramadan can be especially challenging. Addictions are complicated and require extensive support and resources. The FYI is working on an upcoming toolkit about addictions. In the meantime, refer to these resources for an overview if addiction is a struggle for you during Ramadan.
- Check The FYI’s article on coping with substance use addiction in Ramadan.
- Refer to this resource to better understand addiction and substance use disorders.
- Learn about the different types of behavioral addictions (like gaming, sex, shopping) and how they can be treated.
- Understand that addictions often go hand in hand with a mental illness.
- Unlearn myths you may have about addiction.
Try these strategies to get through Ramadan with an addiction:
- Use Ramadan as a stepping stone for change.
- Consider the use of herbs.
- Look into natural therapies.
- Make dietary changes.
Coping with an addiction and ultimately being sober is no easy task. Try these resources for some support during this process:
- Use these coping skills to move towards recovery.
- Recognize the difference between a habit and an addiction, how habits lead to addiction and how to retrain your habits.
- Try these free text messaging programs to help with quitting smoking: Tips4Health and Smokefree.
- Learn how to support your loved one dealing with addiction.
