October marks Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia, and is an annual reminder to prioritise our well-being. 

For Muslim women dedicated to advocating for the Palestinian cause, balancing activism with mental health can be particularly challenging. The ongoing conflict, media manipulation, and relentless emotional toll weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. 

Yet, it’s crucial to understand that activism and mental health care are not mutually exclusive. We can engage fully with the cause while maintaining our emotional and psychological well-being.

This article offers guidance on how to stay mentally resilient and effective as advocates for Palestine, focusing on the importance of safeguarding our mental health without disengaging.

Staying Focused on the Cause, Not the Distractions

One of the main tactics of Zionist narratives is to distract from the core issues of the Palestinian struggle—occupation, colonisation, and oppression. 

As Muslims committed to justice, it’s vital that we don’t allow these tactics to derail us. Constantly defending our positions or becoming embroiled in debates designed to shift focus can drain our emotional reserves.

The key is to stay centred on the fundamental truths: the historical and ongoing dispossession of Palestinians, their right to self-determination, and our role as advocates of justice.

Disengaging from the noise of social media debates or manipulative headlines can protect your mental energy. Instead of letting these distractions get to you, focus on amplifying Palestinian voices, sharing facts, and nurturing solidarity within your community.

By doing this, you are staying true to the cause without allowing Zionist distractions to sap your mental and emotional well-being.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health Without Disengaging

The emotional toll of activism, especially for a deeply personal cause like Palestine, is undeniable. For many of us, Palestine is not just a distant conflict but a matter of faith, justice, and humanity. The sheer intensity of the cause can leave us feeling overwhelmed, angry, or hopeless. These emotions are valid, but they also underscore the importance of taking care of our mental health.

Maintaining your mental health does not mean switching off completely or disengaging from the cause. Rather, it’s about finding sustainable ways to contribute without burning out. 

You don’t have to be constantly plugged into every update or engage with every headline to make an impact. Learning when to step back temporarily, without guilt, can make your activism more effective and long-lasting. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup. 

Prioritising your mental health allows you to sustain your commitment to justice for Palestine.

Mental Health Tips: How to Cope and Stay Engaged

Advocating for Palestine in today’s climate requires resilience, both mental and emotional. Here are practical strategies to help you maintain your mental health while staying engaged:

Acknowledge the Reality and Importance of Mental Health

The first step is recognising that mental health is essential and doesn’t detract from your dedication to the cause. Many activists, particularly within the Muslim community, feel that their struggles for justice must come at the expense of their personal well-being. This isn’t true. 

The Qur’an teaches us to take care of our bodies and minds, and that includes being mindful of our mental health. By acknowledging the emotional impact that activism has, we empower ourselves to manage it effectively and remain strong advocates.

Look After Your Body and Physical Health

Our mental health is closely tied to our physical well-being. Stress and emotional strain can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and even illness. It’s important to maintain a healthy routine that includes adequate sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise. 

Physical activity, in particular, is known to reduce stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. Even a short daily walk can make a significant difference.

Eating well also impacts how we feel emotionally. Maintaining a balanced diet, hydrating, and avoiding excessive caffeine or sugar can help regulate your mood and keep your energy levels stable as you engage with challenging issues like the Palestinian cause.

Ask for Help When You Need It

We are not meant to shoulder the burden of activism alone. Islam emphasises the importance of community, and within that community, we find strength. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, do not hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or mental health professionals. 

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talking through your emotions with trusted individuals can provide clarity and relief, reminding you that you are supported.

Consider joining support groups or community discussions where you can share your experiences and feelings. These safe spaces allow for collective healing, offering emotional support and practical coping mechanisms from those who are also deeply engaged in the cause.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing stress and preventing burnout. It involves staying present in the moment and cultivating awareness of your thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. In times of distress or frustration over the injustices faced by Palestinians, mindfulness can help you maintain balance.

There are simple ways to practise mindfulness—such as deep breathing exercises, focusing on your surroundings, or engaging in dhikr (remembrance of Allah). These practices help centre your mind and body, keeping you grounded even in the face of heavy emotional burdens.

Give and Be Kind to Others

Acts of kindness, especially toward others in your community, can uplift your own spirit. One of the pillars of Islam is generosity, and practising it brings about both spiritual and mental benefits. 

By helping others, you foster a sense of purpose and connection, which can strengthen your mental resilience. Whether it’s through charity, community service, or simply offering a listening ear to another struggling activist, these acts of kindness remind you of the power of compassion and solidarity.

Have Faith in Your Ability to Cope

Lastly, have faith in yourself and in your ability to cope with the challenges of both activism and life in general. Allah promises in the Qur’an, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” (2:286). 

Trust in this wisdom, and recognise that while the struggle for justice is long and arduous, you have the inner strength to persevere.

Trust in your purpose, and lean on your faith to guide you through the emotional and mental ups and downs of activism. Knowing that your efforts are a form of worship and that they contribute to a just cause can help you stay focused, hopeful, and resilient.

Balance for Long-Term Advocacy

Mental health care is not a distraction from activism—it’s a necessary part of it. By taking steps to maintain your well-being, you ensure that you can remain engaged with the Palestinian cause in a meaningful and sustainable way. 

As we continue our advocacy, let’s do so with compassion not only for Palestine but also for ourselves and each other. Together, we can carry the cause forward without sacrificing our mental health, for a healthier, stronger, and more resilient community of activists.

May Allah grant us strength, patience, and resilience in our efforts, and may He bring justice to Palestine.