In the realm of suicide prevention, knowledge and awareness are our greatest allies. PAPYRUS has always and continues to strive for a world where no young person feels alone and unsupported in their struggle with suicidal thoughts. As part of our mission to promote positive wellbeing and save young lives, we are committed to addressing the interconnected issues that affect today’s youth.
This November, we wholeheartedly support Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), and continue to support Muslim communities throughout the year.
Understanding IAM
Islamophobia Awareness Month was launched in 2012 when several organisations came together and realised that the way Muslim communities have been misunderstood by many needs to change. The campaign now exists to break down barriers and tackle misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. Its main motives are to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims to society while raising awareness about the alarming prevalence of Islamophobia. IAM is an initiative that is very much in line with PAPYRUS’s overarching goal of fostering inclusivity and creating a world where everyone feels supported.
The theme for this year’s campaign is #MuslimStories. The goal is to facilitate connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including both Muslims and non-Muslims, using the transformative power of storytelling.
The campaign acts as a reminder that intolerance still exists despite our diverse society, and it is our collective responsibility to confront it. IAM invites everyone to stand up against Islamophobia, promote dialogue, and embrace diversity, recognising the strength that lies in unity.
The connection to suicide prevention
Mental health and experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and Islamophobia are intricately linked. Discrimination, particularly on the basis of religion, can have profoundly negative effects on mental wellbeing. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are often contributors to suicidal thoughts.
As a suicide prevention charity, we regularly hear from young people from all walks of life who experience suicidal thoughts and feel that nobody understands them or how they feel. Individuals from the Islamic community face unwarranted judgement, misunderstanding and often experience physical and verbal abuse. Many of these things can and often do cause individuals to feel like suicide is the only option. By raising awareness of islamophobia, we aim to combat discrimination against a community that is invaluable to our society.
Breaking down stigma
During Islamophobia Awareness Month, it’s crucial to shed light on the unique challenges faced by individuals within the Muslim community, especially when it comes to discussing suicidal thoughts.
Stigma surrounding mental health and suicide can be particularly daunting within Muslim communities, as the perception of suicide as a sin can lead to judgement and reluctance to open up. This stigma can be a significant barrier to young people seeking the support they rightfully deserve. It’s important for those outside the Muslim community to understand these challenges and promote a sense of unity and support, transcending faith-based divisions and misconceptions. Our aim is to create a safe and inclusive space for people of all backgrounds, ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle with suicide.
PAPYRUS is actively engaging with these communities to create safe spaces and encourage open discussions about suicidal ideation. Our goal is to make young Muslims feel supported, valued, and understood in their struggles with their thoughts, ultimately reducing the risk of suicide.
Promoting unity and understanding
Education and awareness are powerful tools in combating Islamophobia. Prejudices and stereotypes are often based on ignorance and misinformation. As a society, we need to work collectively to bridge the gap by providing accurate information, fostering dialogue, and building bridges of understanding.
The more we open ourselves up to understanding what it means to be Muslim, the more we can appreciate that everyone deserves respect and support. PAPYRUS is a non-judgemental charity that aims to highlight the importance of spreading awareness about this vital month and promoting its values all year round. We realise that we are all part of one community, and it takes all of us working together to create safer communities when it comes to preventing suicide.
Islamophobia Awareness Month is not just a campaign but a call to action, a reminder of the ongoing struggle against discrimination and prejudice. PAPYRUS stands with IAM, recognising its importance in our collective efforts to prevent suicide.
