According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mental health is an emotional, psychological, and social well-being that affects how an individual think, feels, and acts. It also determines and helps how a person manages stress, relates to the community, and makes choices. Mental health shows a significant relationship with every stage of life, from childhood, and adolescence through adulthood.

Mental health is a state of well-being and allows people to realize their full potential and can contribute a meaningful share to society. If someone is mentally ill, he/she can have various issues or can develop mental illnesses which could be fatal. Various studies show that mental health is a huge void caused by the stigma that holds people back from seeking help. The severe under-resourcing of mental healthcare leaves more than half of those, who experience mental health problems, without any treatment. Mental healthcare has failed to adequately address the urgent unmet needs of mentally ill people. Promote advocacy and sensitizing communities at the grassroots level and the current circumstances call for change in the paradigm and practices of mental healthcare, including fundamental reforms in education, clinician training, and research priorities.

Mental illnesses in the Muslim world in general and the United States, in particular, remains undertreated, understated, and under-discussed. According to the statistics, nearly 3.5 million Muslims live in America making up 1.1% of its total population and coming from various backgrounds and contexts. Of this population, 42% are born and raised in the United States, and the remaining 58% enter as immigrants mostly from third world countries, undergoing various religious-political conflicts, and other

socioeconomic disparities. The immigrants, while settling themselves into a new society, experience various psychosocial stressors which often impact their mental health. Identity crises and discrimination also play a role. Among Muslim youth in America, there are a lot of unrecognized and untreated issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, social pressures and cultural differences that lead to a significant rate of substance abuse and suicides.
At the same time, the institutions which address issues of mental health dedicated to the Muslim community, are limited compared to the population needs. It is common practice for Muslims to consult or take guidance from a faith leader or an Imam on a particular issue in the context of Islam. An Imam or institutional leader plays a key role in interpreting the Islamic faith, and with a deeper understanding of the basics of modern mental health approaches, can play a pivotal role in the future of mental health management among Muslims. In addition to religion, the Imam is in a position to provide support in a culturally sensitive manner, and engenders the trust of the community.
For those leaders who interact and deal Muslim community at large, the Muslim Mental Health Conference for Community Leaders will provide an opportunity to come together with other leaders to address the stigma and try to develop a long-term and sustainable mental healthcare environment. This includes an array of possible preventive interventions and accessible mental health services that are culturally relevant to institute positive mental health outcomes in the Muslim community.

This conference will provide a platform for community leaders to meet and interact with most of the stakeholders working in the community in general and the Muslim faith in particular. Also, this conference will open new avenues and platforms to address the issues pertaining to mental health in the community through identifying and sharing the available resources.