Asking for Help While Protecting My Faith
Assalamu alaikum. I had another session with my therapist today, and I opened up about everything that's been happening in my life. She gave me the contact of a social worker from my area and said if I ever feel like I can't cope, especially with family issues, I should reach out. We're planning to discuss what I could say if I decide to call. Honestly, I want to call and just leave. If I do, the youth welfare office might get involved, and in the best or worst case, they could take over custody. Even if it means I might not see my sister again, I'd do it if I reached that point. What scares me is living in a secular country with a Christian background where my parents' behavior isn't seen as okay and could lead to consequences. I'm afraid people might think Islam is the reason behind everything. I don't want anyone to assume my parents are forcing me or my sister to wear hijab or practice Islam. I absolutely don't want that. I don't want Islam to be blamed for my family problems or give a wrong impression of my religion. I'm not saying I don't want help-I really do. I just fear that when I ask for help, people will misunderstand and link everything to my religion, which isn't what I want at all.