Latest news with #Fatiha
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Family Therapy Crucial For Teen Emotional Wellbeing
F requent family conflicts, especially between her parents, coupled with a strained relationship with her mother led Fatiha (not her real name) to develop severe depression at just 12 years old. Now 13, the girl became increasingly withdrawn, cried frequently, and struggled with feelings of worthlessness — which eventually led her to harm herself by slashing her wrists. Her change in behaviour was noticed by a concerned teacher, who took the time to listen to the Form One student's struggles and later referred her to a psychiatrist. During her initial consultation, Fatiha was found to be at high risk of self-harm, prompting her immediate admission for close monitoring and treatment. The case was among those handled by Dr Ruziana Masiran, Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer at the Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Speaking to Bernama, Dr Ruziana shared that following six family therapy sessions with her mother, Fatiha and her mom have begun learning to communicate more openly and understand each other's emotions. 'Their relationship is now much closer. Fatiha has become cheerful again and is gradually making academic and co-curricular progress that her mother is proud of. 'Although she initially required medication, she no longer needs it and currently attends only follow-up sessions at the clinic,' Dr Ruziana said. GROWING TREND Highlighting the current landscape, Dr Ruziana noted that mental health issues among adolescents in Malaysia are increasingly being recognised as a serious public health concern. She explained that today's teenagers face unique challenges compared to previous generations, making them more susceptible to mental health struggles. 'The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overlooked. Isolation during lockdowns between 2020 and 2021, school closures, and mounting financial pressures within families have all contributed to mental health issues that persist to this day,' she said. Dr Ruziana added that the prolonged isolation also deprived many adolescents of crucial social development milestones during a formative stage in their lives. She pointed out that digital and social media have become dominant forces in the lives of teenagers, encouraging constant online connectivity, which in turn fuels anxiety linked to the 'fear of missing out' (FOMO) and exposes them to cyberbullying. 'Excessive screen time negatively affects sleep quality, lowers self-esteem, and contributes to body image concerns as teens frequently compare themselves to others online. 'This pervasive digital lifestyle has significantly reduced meaningful, real-world social interactions, which are essential for emotional growth,' she said. When asked about contributing factors to adolescent mental health issues, Dr Ruziana cited several, including biological elements. She explained that the teenage brain—particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making—is still in development. 'Socially, teenagers navigate a range of daily stressors, whether at home or in school. These include academic pressure, examinations, fatigue, and comparisons with peers. Some also endure physical or emotional bullying,' she said. Within the family context, she noted that poor communication and a lack of emotional support are significant contributors to emotional distress. 'Many teenagers who show signs of depression or anxiety often do so in response to unresolved family issues,' Dr Ruziana said, adding that ongoing family conflicts—including divorce, abuse, neglect, or parents with untreated mental illness—can have a profound impact on a teenager's mental well-being. STUDIES According to Dr Ruziana, data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) and various local studies reveal a concerningly high prevalence of mental health issues among Malaysian teenagers. 'The NHMS 2022 found that one in four adolescents aged 13 to 17 exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. The transition from lower to upper secondary school is identified as a particularly vulnerable period,' she said. She noted that teenagers with low self-esteem, poor emotional regulation, learning difficulties, chronic illnesses, or physical disabilities are at significantly higher risk of developing mental health problems. The survey also highlighted that teens from families experiencing parental mental illness, single parenthood, persistent marital conflict, or domestic violence are more prone to emotional and psychological struggles. 'Parents who are emotionally unstable, depressed, anxious, or aggressive can hinder their child's emotional development. When teens don't feel safe at home, they're less likely to open up about their problems. This leads to emotional suppression, isolation, and a growing sense of hopelessness,' she explained. "Economically, studies show that low-income families (the B40 group) have limited access to mental healthcare. In addition, low parental education levels are linked to a lack of awareness about emotional needs and communication within the family," she said, adding that mental health issues are more prevalent among teenage girls. Dr Ruziana also noted that environmental factors play a role, with teenagers living in urban areas found to be at higher risk of emotional stress due to greater academic pressure, excessive screen time, increased exposure to social media, and a lack of physical activity. REDUCING DEPENDENCY ON MEDICATION While medication is often a key part of treating mental health conditions—particularly among teenagers—Dr Ruziana believes it is time to reduce this dependency. She stressed that psychiatric care should be holistic, addressing all aspects of a patient's life rather than focusing solely on pharmaceutical intervention. 'People need to understand that not every teenager with mental health issues requires medication—only those in truly critical need. 'Psychiatrists also examine other important factors such as parenting styles, family dynamics, and school environments, all of which greatly influence a teen's emotional well-being and behaviour,' she said. Dr Ruziana urged Malaysian society and families to shift away from viewing medication as the only remedy for mental illness. 'Medication can be helpful, but it's not the only solution for emotional or behavioural issues in children. Many families in Malaysia have witnessed meaningful changes after undergoing family therapy. Teens who previously struggled to regulate their emotions often show improvement after just a few sessions. 'As parents begin to understand the pressures their children face, relationships tend to grow closer. This proves that with mutual support and cooperation, many issues can be resolved in a healthy and harmonious way—without complete reliance on medication,' she added. THE NEED FOR FAMILY THERAPY Expanding on the issue, Dr Ruziana stressed that it is time for family therapy to be recognised as a key alternative in addressing teen mental health challenges in Malaysia. She said the country must strengthen the role of family therapy within its healthcare system, as many mental health issues among adolescents are rooted in strained family relationships. 'Many teens don't just need individual treatment—they need the support of a compassionate and understanding family. In a country like Malaysia, where family values hold deep significance, this approach is not only culturally appropriate but also more sustainable in the long run,' she explained. By promoting family therapy, she added, the healthcare system can address the mental health of teenagers more holistically while also reinforcing the family institution. This, she noted, aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which upholds strong family relationships, mental well-being, and social harmony. Dr Ruziana said family therapy involves all members of a household to better understand and support the affected teenager. 'Often, when one teen shows signs of mental distress—be it depression, anxiety, or anger—it's connected to underlying stress at home, miscommunication, or unresolved family conflict. 'Through family therapy, each member learns how to listen, express emotions constructively, and solve problems collaboratively. It gives parents and siblings insight into what the teen is truly experiencing,' she said. She added that family therapy typically involves six to 12 sessions, held weekly or biweekly, and may include extended family such as grandparents, uncles, or aunts. 'Ideally, everyone in the household should take part. Some families may require more sessions depending on the severity of issues. The therapy is structured—starting with introductions, followed by assessments and targeted interventions, and concluding once tangible improvements are seen,' Dr Ruziana said. The ultimate goal, she emphasised, is to create a more cohesive and nurturing home environment. 'When supporting a child, we cannot ignore the broader family dynamics—how parents communicate, discipline, show affection, or give attention. These all play critical roles in a child's emotional health,' she said, expressing hope that more family therapists will be trained in line with the Malaysia MADANI values of compassion, humanity, and family strength.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘Alive because of pride': Father of Kashmir ‘ponywallah' who died fighting terrorist in Pahalgam
Hyder Shah, father of a 30-year-old 'ponywallah' who was killed while trying to snatch a rifle from a terrorist during the attack in Pahalgam, said he felt proud because of his son's sacrifice to save tourists he ferried to the meadow. His son Syed Adil Hussain Shah's heroic act caught national attention after Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah visited his funeral on Wednesday to participate in a prayer (Fatiha) with hundreds of mourners. Shah was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard at Hapatnard village in Pahalgam. Follow live updates on Pahalgam terror attack The deceased's father stood inconsolable when the chief minister hugged him to share grief and express solidarity. 'I am very proud of him and his sacrifice. I am alive because of the pride I am feeling. Otherwise, I would have died the moment I saw his young, dead body. I am happy because of his bravery. Some people were saved because of him, and I am proud of it,' Hyder Shah told ANI on Thursday. Syed Naushad, the deceased's brother, said that Shah had gone to Pahalgam for work, where terrorists shot him thrice in his chest. "He used to take tourists on pony rides to Baisaran. On Tuesday, when terrorists attacked tourists, my brother tried to stop them. A tourist whose father was killed in the attack told me about the heroic act of my brother at SMHS hospital,' he said. Abdullah hailed Shah's courageous act to defend tourists he had ferried on horseback from the parking area to Baisaran meadow. 'Met his grieving family and assured them of full support — Adil (Shah) was the sole breadwinner, and his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice will forever be remembered. We are with them and will help them as much as we can,' he wrote on X. Also read | PM Narendra Modi's warning to Pahalgam terrorists in English: 'End of Earth' | Top quotes Shah's funeral prayers were led by a local, Ghulam Hassan, who lauded the pony ride operator's sacrifice. 'He will be rewarded by Allah for his deeds. I pray nobody sees their loved ones die like this. We should always be ready to die for others, whether a Sikh, Pandit or a Muslim. That is what our religion teaches us,' Hassan said.
Al Bawaba
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Bawaba
Soleiman Eid dies suddenly, shocking Egypt's entertainment world
Published April 18th, 2025 - 11:15 GMT ALBAWABA - Recently, sad news about Soliman Eid's unexpected death went viral on social media. Soleiman Eid's son detailed the announcement on his Facebook page, writing, "We belong to God, and we will return to Him. My dad is no longer with us. He also disclosed the specifics of the funeral, stating, "My father has died. We belong to God, and we will return to Him. The Grand Mosque in the Islamic Complex in Sheikh Zayed will host the funeral prayer following Friday services, and the funeral will take place right after the prayer. Several celebrities posted their condolences on social media in honor of the departed. "We belong to God, and we will return to Him," Youssef El Sherif stated. Goodbye to the wonderful artist Suleiman Eid, who had a pure heart and a pleasant laugh. May God show him pity and forgiveness, grant him paradise, and provide his family and loved ones comfort and patience. God is eternal. إنا لله وإنا إليه راجعون…وداعاً الفنان الكبير سليمان عيد صاحب الضحكة الطيبة والقلب النقي. اللهم اغفر له وارحمه، واجعل مثواه الجنة، وألهم أهله ومحبيه الصبر والسلوان..البقاء لله — Youssef el sherif (@ElSherif) April 18, 2025 "May God have mercy on you, my dear Uncle Suleiman," Chico wrote in his condolences for the deceased. We just spoke yesterday. It's unbelievable. Say the Fatiha aloud. In a statement honoring the departed, the Actors Syndicate said, "We belong to God, and we will return to Him." The renowned artist Suleiman Eid passed away, and the Actors Syndicate is deeply saddened and grieved. The Board of Directors and the Syndicate, led by Dr. Ashraf Zaki, offer their deepest sympathies to his family and ask God Almighty to show him mercy and provide his loved ones with comfort and patience." On her Facebook page, Maha Al-Sagheer expressed her sorrow over the passing of the artist Suleiman Eid. We belong to God, and we will return to Him. I pray that God would show you kindness and give your family patience. "With God the Almighty, there is no power or strength," said Ayman Bahjat Qamar in a Facebook post. Suleiman Eid, an artist and close friend, passed away. My deepest sympathies to his family; please pray and recite the Fatiha. "So, Soliman, you suddenly leave?" was another heartfelt reply made by Hany Ramzy in remembrance of the departed. What else can I say? My best friend of all time, the one and only... My beloved, may God grant you mercy. You will be sorely missed. May God be patient with us during your loss. In his Instagram obituary for the deceased, Karim Abdel Aziz wrote, "We belong to God, and we will return to Him. I pray that God would show you kindness and provide you a spot in His vast gardens, Suleiman. A decent, well-behaved artist and person has passed away. May God give you and your family patience. Pray for his mercy, please. "To God we belong, and to Him we shall return," Suleiman Eid said on his Facebook page a few days prior to his passing, expressing his sympathies to producer Salah Hassan. Brother Salah Hassan, a good-hearted and honorable buddy, is no longer with us. May God show him grace, pardon him, and give him a spot in Your vast gardens. "Rat b 7 Trouh" by Suleiman Eid is presently playing in theaters in Egypt and the Arab world. The comedy centers on seven distinct stories and a wide range of individuals, but they are all linked by an enigmatic body that sarcastically moves between them, leading to... They are attempting to clear their lives of the mess that they have. A few hours ago, he posted the final image he shared on his Instagram Story prior to his death. identitymageg Instagram profile The Final Pieces of Soliman Eid Notably, Suliman Eid's final contribution was his role in the 2023 release of "My Brother Up in the Tree," which he co-starred in with Ramez Galal. He played a humorous character that made an impression on the audience, as usual. Recently, he also made appearances in several television shows and programs, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his work right up until the end of his life. It's important to note that Soliman Eid is regarded as one of Egypt's most well-known comedians. Over the course of his decades-long career, he made a name for himself in various roles in theater, drama, and film and was able to leave a lasting artistic legacy. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Morocco World
11-04-2025
- Health
- Morocco World
The Plight of PKU Children in Morocco and How little Sara fed a 100 PKU children
Washington DC – Almost six years ago, Fatiha and Abellatif Abderraziq stood in the parking lot of Washington children's hospital waiting for the doctor that just delivered their baby girl Sara. It was late at night and the doctor's shift was ending but she wanted to let them know as soon as possible because she had just received the test results. She finally walked towards them in the half light of the parking lot. They tried to read her face before she spoke but had no idea what was about to be revealed to them. When the doctor finally spoke, she had tears in her eyes. She let them know that their daughter would never have a normal life, would never be like other children, would not be like her sister Amira, and if they were not extremely careful with her diet, she would end up mentally and physically disabled. Thus began little Sara's story. Fatiha and Abedellatif stood there in shock trying to register the list of foods that the doctor was cautioning them against. Sara was a PKU child which is short for Phenylketonuria, a rare disease that afflicts roughly one in 10,000 babies depending on the background of the parents and so many other factors. PKU is a rare genetic disease that prevents the normal break down of protein amino acids like Phenylalanine (Phe). Phe is a precursor to Tyrosine which is essential for brain development and proper function. In Short, a build-up of Phe in PKU children can lead to brain fog and eventual disability. PKU children need expensive amino acids added to their diet without which they cannot have normal lives. Fatiha Abdellatif took little Sara home and looked up everything they could about PKU children. They were entering a new world of health science they never imagined they would. The first two years were very hard, they had a lot to learn and adapt to. Their lives changed forever. In time, with the excellent help from Children's hospital (Dr. Rieger), with the support of their insurance company, and the laws already established in the US for rare diseases, Sara would grow up to be a healthy six-year old girl with a healthy behavioral and moral development. When Sara was about two years old, Fatiha took a trip to Morocco, her home country and immediately started noticing cases of PKU children. She felt so much for them and at first she started using her savings to purchase small quantities of amino acids to send to remote family children that suffered from PKU. Through social media and word of mouth, within a year, she had almost 100 cases that were diagnosed with PKU in Morocco. Each case had a story, and a lot of them were heart wrenching. Almost all did not have any sustainable access to the needed amino-acids nor proper care for their children. Morocco did not even list PKU as a rare disease in the health ministry register. Fatiha and Abderraziq listened to their WhatsApp voice messages for countless hours day and night. Waling mothers told them their stories of the immense difficulties they had to figure out what was wrong with their babies. There were only two machines in Morocco capable of diagnosing PKU properly, and to get to those machines was a great ordeal. Mothers afraid of having a second or third PKU child relating gut wrenching stories about their decision to end pregnancies. Fathers who were not well to do spoke heroically of wanting to sell their own blood to get the amino acids needed for their children. In Morocco, lucky PKU children were diagnosed within a year of birth, but a lot of cases were not, and most of the families were playing catch up. As the children age it becomes more and more difficult to treat them. Then Covid hit. Fatiha and Abderraziq joined a non-profit organization in Virginia that was 501c3, founded a nonprofit in Morocco, SOSPKUMAROC, engaged with the Moroccan ambassador Lalla Joumala, and pestered Royal Air Maroc day and night for reasonable shipping rates to Morocco. They literally worked day and night and for three years they sent enough PKU food to sustain almost 100 families. They had donors from Morocco and the US, but they had to work hard to maintain them and to show progress, and a lot of cases did indeed show progress through video messages they got the parents to keep a steady feedback and update. Still, there were difficulties. Some parents did not even afford the monthly blood test that was needed to make the Phe content in the blood was within the proper limits. SOSPKUMAROC started paying for the blood tests, but the need was greater than what they could sustain. Fatiha and her husband also engaged with the Moroccan minister of health through SOSPKUMAROC two years ago, and even got him to issue a letter for the recognition of PKU as a rare disease. However, so far the letter has yet to take effect administratively in terms of diagnosis at the hospital centers of Morocco and for PKU amino acid compensation. Algeria, Egypt, Palestine as well as other MENA countries already provide PKU amino acids to their patients. A well established PKU health policy is still not established in Morocco. More recently, Fatiha also engaged with a Moroccan advocacy company called ASAP, Affair Scientifique Affair Public. Dr. Nawal Bentahila, who is leading ASAP, is extremely well qualified for the PKU case and is currently navigating the administrative waters in Rabat. There is progress but unfortunately slow, the non-profits on both sides of the ocean are showing signs of fatigue and the families are growing impatient. Last year, Fatiha with the help of SOS PKU Maroc and others spent her vacation to organize a conference in Casablanca for the PKU children. By all measure it was a success, the kids got to meet and play and the best part she recalls was the fact that the families could interact with a Psychologist (Dr, Kfifi) who gave them her time and what able to show them how to deal with their abnormal children. So many families were overwhelmed with emotion and were crying in the room. Given that the cost of sustaining and caring for a disabled PKU child or adult is much higher than the cost of taking care of a healthy PKU patient, the families' request is really not unreasonable: 1- PKU needs to be listed in the rare disease list, 2- newborn screening to be available in all of the six national hospital centers, 3- Phe blood test machines to be available in all of the six hospital centers, 4- Amino-acid availability or compensation for all the PKU patients. Sara's story is still unfolding, her parents continue to share with Morocco the best of what they learn in the US about PKU. This year Sara inspired her parents to organize another conference in Marrakesh for the PKU children in Morocco, November 17-19, save the date! She thinks it will be grand. To help Sara with her dream to help other like her, please reach out to her mom: [email protected]. Tags: chilrenHealthMoroccoPKU
Rudaw Net
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Iranian intelligence block access to Qazi Muhammad's tomb on execution anniversary
Also in Iran Khamenei warns of 'strong' retaliation if US attacks Around 18,000 tourists visited Mahabad during Newroz: Official Trump threatens Iran with bombing if nuclear talks fail Iranian court confirms death sentence for Kurd accused of PKK ties A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iranian intelligence forces restricted public and family access to the tomb of renowned Kurdish leader Qazi Muhammad in western Iran's Kurdish city of Mahabad on the anniversary of his hanging, family sources told Rudaw English on Sunday. A family source said that much like previous years, intelligence forces were present again, monitoring visitors, closing the cemetery's door, and preventing them from entering. The first-degree family members were notified that they may be there at 9:00 AM only for half an hour, under the condition of avoiding gatherings and withholding information about the visit from other people, the source added, on the condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals. The intelligence service warned them the relatives that they would be held responsible for any gatherings or the use of Kurdish symbols, flags, or slogans. 'We set off towards the martyrs' cemetery at 9:00 AM. Some citizens [from Mahabad] had also come behind, reciting the Fatiha [prayer], and they were very happy for the gate to be opened,' the anonymous source said. One of the men in the crowd approached the forces and asked them to open the locked gate of the cemetery, as Qazi Muhammad's daughter was also present among those gathered. 'We have come, and you must open the gate for us to go and recite a Fatiha. That white-haired lady is the daughter of the Peshawa [Qazi Muhammad], how can she sit in front of the gate and not be able to go and recite a Fatiha on her father's grave?" the source told Rudaw English, citing the man's conversation with the intelligence forces. The source said that after the conversation, they agreed to briefly open the gate. 'Last night, several people visited the gravesite and placed flowers, but when I returned there in the morning, the cemetery's door was closed, and the flowers were placed on the graves,' the source continued. Each year, people attempt to enter the cemetery late at night to pray at the tomb of the renowned Kurdish leader and to take photos, often bringing Kurdish flags with them. Another family member, who visits the cemetery annually and is familiar with the Islamic republic's strict security measures to prevent public attendance, told Rudaw English that intelligence forces typically call them a week in advance to prevent visits to the cemetery. Permission is typically only granted if the family insists on the visit, the source added, also on the condition of anonymity. 'No one is allowed to give political slogans, sing Kurdish anthems, Ey Raqib [national anthem], raise the Kurdistan flag, hold demonstrations, and give slogans. The space should not become a political space, you must within that hour take care of your condolences, say the Fatiha and such things, and leave,' the family member added, citing the intelligence forces. The intelligence service warned that the immediate family would be held responsible if any such incidents occurred. 'Intelligence officers also stood here, holding cameras and taking pictures of whoever was coming and leaving. They were recording videos of all those people,' he added. He recalled a memory from previous years involving a conversation he overheard between intelligence officers. 'It was obvious the first one was a high-ranking officer, and they didn't realize I understood Turkish,' he said. 'They were saying, 'If I ever got the chance, I would shut this place [the cemetery] down. Then I'd be relieved. I'd flatten it completely, turn it into dirt, into asphalt. I wouldn't let those graves remain. For me, this place is a problem. I've never liked them being here.'' Qazi Muhammad was a renowned Kurdish leader who founded the first independent Kurdish state, the Republic of Mahabad, based in the city of Mahabad in present-day Iran in 1946. Mahabad holds immense historical significance for the Kurdish people as a symbol of Kurdish nationalism. It gained prominence as the site where the first independent, yet short-lived, Kurdish state was established. Qazi Muhammad, the elected president of the Mahabad Republic, Mohammed Hussein Seif Qazi, the defense minister and deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and Sadr Qazi, a member of parliament representing Mahabad, were executed by order of the Pahlavi Shah of Iran without access to a trial on March 30, 1947. The Republic of Mahabad gained the support of Kurds from other Kurdish areas abroad, mainly Iraq, where former Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani joined the republic, along with thousands of Kurdish fighters.
