Deen Talk! Islam and Mental Health - Part Two: Depression

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ

Assalaamu alaikum everyone. This was a really tough one for me to film and even harder for me to write about, because it hits so very close to home. Honestly I'm not sure what to write, and this may be short due to that. I've lived with depression most of my life and still struggle with it at times even on medication. It's something that isn't talked about in society, not just in the Ummah. 

What needs to be realized is that mental health is just as serious as physical health. 

I think this cartoon is a perfect example of how ridiculous the things said to people with depression and other mental health issues are. Depression isn't just sadness, and it can't just be shrugged off - it's something which is carried with the person, always, even while being treated. 

This post isn't going to be anything about how people should try harder to get better... because that's asinine. What I will say is that we need to drop the stigma which prevents people from going on medication. We need to drop the idea that mental health issues aren't "real" health issues and therefore don't count on the list of health problems precluding someone from fasting (if meds need to be taken at certain times of the day, etc.). We need to open up conversations to include how things affect those in the Ummah who have depression, how things need to be discussed and talked about, and be candid on the matter of mental health instead of shying away and further ostracizing the people who carry Jihad in their hearts and minds every day as they battle in silence. 

What has helped me to have more productive days: Make niyyah to pray Fajr and Asr. 

سبحان الله و بحمده. . . . How amazing that we are rewarded so much for what we already are supposed to do! Even on days when Imaan is low or depression kicks in, remember this Hadith and do these two prayers at least. Wallahi insha'Allah having niyyah to pray salah these two times will help you to keep up the rest of your prayers. . . . #salah #salat #revert #islam #namaaz #prayer #imaan #reward #baraka #hadith

A post shared by Rivka Sajida (@umm.udh.dhibu) on Jan 26, 2017 at 4:58pm PST

I try to do my best to help people, in shaa Allah. But when it comes to depression and suicide, sometimes people get to a point where nothing matters, because we see ourselves as so inherently bad that anyone telling us otherwise makes no difference. At these times, when people are out of things to hold on to in order to keep them afloat, perhaps then remembrance of the consequences from Allah subhana w ta'ala will be the rope that they hold on to.  A sister, in one of her dark moments, had the presence of mind to send me this Hadith, subhan'Allah w bihawmdihi:

In shaa Allah this video and blog has helped someone. Please know you are in my 'adiyah and I am here to lend an ear if you need one. Feel free to contact me here, on IG, YouTube, Facebook, however you know to get ahold of me. If you are contemplating self-harm or suicide, please call 1-800-273-TALK

Jazakum Allahu kheiran.

Sajida.