Written by: Mahnoor
Session context
The advisory group met for the third time near the end of September 2024 – it had been three months since the last meeting, and the session started with a grounding reminder of our ways of working. The importance of empathic mindfulness and mutual respect were emphasised, and structures of support were made clear.
Points of discussion
The group reviewed the study animation that was to be shared in the recruitment stage to outline the key information of the study. There was appreciation for the clear and concise nature of the study animation and an excitement for how things were progressing. After the group was walked through the IM-Adapted study website, Safiyah (Study Clinical Lead) took over to explain the IM-Adapted intervention so we, as the advisory group, understood what the participants would experience in the intervention and the control groups. The IM-Adapted intervention focussed on supplementing CBT interventions with Islamic references to nurture a compassionate and hopeful perspective alongside actionable changes.
Personal reflections
This was my first time attending an advisory group meeting, as personal circumstances prevented me from being present at the first two. Despite my newness there was an immediate sense of safety and openness created by the research team members, and a warmth to each of the group members – perhaps there was something unifying in our shared identity that brought us to this space. When Safiyah (Study Clinical Lead) had walked us through the IM-Adapted intervention, I felt quite moved. There was a sense within the group of relief almost, and a sense of being seen. The intervention acknowledged the struggle of young Muslim women who have Islam as their framework for life and experience depression and/or anxiety – that reality was understood and validated, and the support compassionately offered.
Throughout the IM-Adapted intervention there is a thread of mercy that links the weeks and the work, a constant reminder that God is Loving and Merciful, that there is room to make mistakes and learn. There was a strong sense of connection as each group member shared how the messages of the intervention resonated with them; there is an unfortunate precedent for religion to be instilled with fear and shame, and the internalisation of unhelpful beliefs can cause great mental distress. To see the IM-Adapted intervention challenge these unhelpful beliefs with Islamic references, spiritual reassurances alongside psychoeducation was wonderful.
Group members commented on how they felt more connected to one another in this meeting, and a real sense of community had set in. I was grateful to be part of the experience, and grateful that the study existed. Having a space to share our experiences with faith related mental health stigma was a hugely validating experience.
Moving forward
The advisory group and research team members will meet again in November to discuss process
