The Mindful Muslim is an Inspirited Minds podcast that hosts raw, open, and honest conversations on various topics within the sphere of mental health, psychology, Islam and spirituality.
In this episode, Sivan spoke to Faisal who is a creative entrepreneur based in Cambridgeshire and has a background in marketing, coaching/mentoring and community development. After being diagnosed with ADHD and dyspraxia in November 2021, he feels that it’s now part of his duty to raise awareness about neurodiversity in the Muslim community and beyond as being undiagnosed for 26 years of life impacted his life, upbringing, education, relationships, spirituality, mental health and career.
Faisal’s creativity as an artist has helped him therapeutically throughout life and he likes to show the impact it can have in wider society and his mental health. He continues to implement awareness in society about neurodiversity, most recently helping create the neurodiversity training package and support groups for staff at London Fire Brigade. He also has created social media awareness channels to raise awareness about ADHD which have received a worldwide response – especially from the Muslim community.
A video Faisal created about having ADHD in November went viral, the reaction from the Muslim world showed him the importance of raising awareness about it. He believes that Muslims need to also learn that learning difficulties are different to mental health issues however can exist and can impact them further.
Their discussion explored:
- Impacts of ADHD on mental, physical and spiritual well-being and as well as social, educational and work lives
- Misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding ADHD and neurodiversity
- Navigating life after a late ADHD diagnosis and being able to understand childhood experiences
- Regaining confidence and building self-esteem
- Managing lifestyles and self-care practices to embrace ADHD
- Helping others understand ADHD
You can find Faisal on Instagram @adhdvisualized.
If you would like to ask our team a question, suggest a topic you would like us to discuss one of the episodes or even feature as a guest speaker, then please do get in touch with the Mindful Muslim Podcast Team at podcast@inspiritedminds.org.uk
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I need someone to speak to. I am going through narcissistic abuse at the hands of my family as well as coercive control to the point where I am not able to access health care and in the past which is affecting my future now I was prevented from my choice of education despite having special needs.
I can’t pay anything as my phone gets checked as in my bank account online but would really want someone to speak to. Maybe Sameer Mohammad, or anyone to speak to regarding my situation and how I can make it better. I am 19 years old and due to the abuse have serious medical physical health conditions like periodontal gum disease being one of them. I ask Allah to cure me forced to go work to fund for my laser gum treatment.. because I am not supported financially by my parents. My education has to be paused too.
As-Salaamun Alaykum Khadija,
We are so sorry to hear about what you are going through. You can always access our confidential counselling services by our team of qualified counsellors and therapists. We do offer discounted services for those who are unable to afford counselling – you can find out more about that at https://inspiritedminds.org.uk/about-us/our-support/
We hope you receive the help and support you need, and may Allah (SWT) make this time easy for you and shower you with abundance in blessings and Rahma, inshaAllah.