Imams receive training

“We are not making people experts or professionals, but teaching them to identify red flags and how to make the appropriate intervention and referral,” said Pooran Sankar, Regional Manager of the Psychiatric Department of the SWRHA. Because religious leaders are often the first to be sought out by persons afflicted by mental health issues, said Sankar, it was necessary to train them in how to respond in a helpful and appropriate manner. Sessions involving teachers, students, and Christian religious leaders from the region were hosted over the last three months. The next session will involve Hindu leaders from the South-West region.

Asked how the response of religious leaders were to the scientific approach to dealing with issues of mental health, Sankar said, “I am proud to say that the religious leaders are well aware that they need to be concerned about the development of the whole man, not just spiritual issues, because people are people.” Featuring prominently in the workshop was the issue of depression.

According to Psychiatrist in training Dr Andrea Homer, depression is not merely sadness, but sadness alongside many other symptoms that requires the diagnosis of a professional. Some cases of depression were “triggered” by traumatic experiences, but some were “triggerless” and caused by chemical imbalances in the brain.

Although therapy is always helpful, she said, sometimes medication is necessary. Other presenters included Mental Health Officer, Merene Singh and Clinical Psychologist, Giselle Dumas. Imam Sheraz Ali of the Nur-e-islam Masjid in El Socorro said he found the session inspiring and couldn’t wait to implement what he learned in his community.

“Faith and science work hand in hand,” said the Imam. “It is important for us to understand it and use it. Science is from Allah, all knowledge comes from the Creator.”