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In this newsletter
Assalamu alaikum:
The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in unprecedented stress worldwide. A November Gallup poll found that 76 percent of adults in the United States rate their mental health positively, representing a nine-point decline from 2019. This assessment of their mental health is worse than it has been at any point in the last two decades.
Similarly, a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted during the first wave last year found that the average reported stress level for U.S. adults related to the pandemic was 5.9. When asked to rate their stress level in general, the average reported stress for U.S. adults is 5.4. The APA noted that this is significantly higher than the average stress level reported in 2019, which was 4.9. The shift marks the first significant increase in average reported stress since the survey began in 2007.
Of note for American Muslims: the APA found that people of color (who make up the majority of the Muslims in the U.S.), are more likely than white adults to report significant stressors in their life as a result of the pandemic. In particular, getting coronavirus (71 percent versus 59 percent, respectively), basic needs (61 percent versus 47 percent), and access to health care services (59 percent versus 46 percent).
The pandemic has also been exceptionally stressful for parents. Nearly half of parents (46 percent) said their stress level was high (between eight and 10 on a 10-point scale where one meant “little or no stress” and 10 meant “a great deal of stress”), compared with 28 percent of adults without children who said the same. Parents’ biggest fears related to not being able to access food, housing, and health care services. Another significant stressor was fear of missing major family milestones, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.
Such unprecedented stress calls for unprecedented self-care by turning to God as the Source of all assistance, relief, and hope. Spirituality heals stress.
May Allah relieve our stress and bless us with ease very soon, as He has promised He will: “For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease. Indeed, with hardship (will be) ease” (Quran 94: 5-6).
Peace,
Sound Vision Team
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Sound Vision’s Salam Text Line
If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, please know that free, professional, anonymous, and confidential help is one text away. Please text SALAM to 741741 to reach our Salam Text Line.
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