Depression happens when someone is in a very bad state of mental condition. It’s not easy to deal with depression, because in that condition, someone can even think of suicide. Islamic system was created to balance the life of a Muslim by harmonizing all aspects of relationship in it.
“Seek the life to come by means of what God granted you, but do not neglect your rightful share in this world. Do good to others as God has done good to you. Do not seek to spread corruption in the land, for God does not love those who do this.” Qasas (28:77)
When a people is in depression, the balance between those aspects is disturbed. This is where Islam steps in, to offer a solution for a Muslim to bring back the balance his mental condition. This is the ways how to help someone with depression in Islam.
1. Be Thankful to Allah SWT
Problem in the life of people is created by that people himself. As long as we live inside the corridor of Islam and following the Sharia, the life that Allah made for us is actually smooth and comfortable. It is us who is always complaining and never be thankful to Allah. We don’t realize that life itself is a gift and feeling depressed.
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2. Recite Surah An Naas
Depression often emerged from self doubt and uncertainty about life. This led to a low self esteem and in the end it become a good opportunity to Shaytaan’s eceptive whispers. Recite Surah An Naas as many as you can everyday, as the content of Surah An Naas is a prayer for protection from the Shaytaan’s whispers. Whenever the uneasiness and uncertainty come to the heart, recite Surah An Naas as it will be the guardian for the depressed.
3. Recite Certain Dua
“O Allaah, I am Your servant, son of Your servant, son of Your maidservant, my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You name Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety.’”
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4. Join Others in Doing Good Deeds
Happiness is contagious, so always spread and create happiness. It is a fact that provide others with happiness has a good effect on someone’s mood, including when they do some charitable acts. It doesn’t necessarily have to be huge and big in terms of financial. Giving happiness could also be done by volunteering at orphanage or organizing secondhand clothes to be given to people in need. Give happiness so you will earn happiness in return.
5. Take a Walk Outside
People are often too selfish and feel that they have the worst day in their lives. It actually very tiring both physically and mentally, and all that they need is a nature healing. Come out for once with a light heart, walking slowly with no destination while looking around. Try to appreciate nature and inhale the fresh air. See the beauty of Allah’s creation and you will be thankful of this life. [AdSense-B]
Also read: How to Memorize Quran
6. Cry Your Heart Out
Crying and sobbing for hours may not solve the problem you have. But it definitely has a soothing and calming sensation, causing you heart to feel lighten and no longer burdensome. Don’t be hesitate to take Wudu, pray and cry to Allah, the Creator that listens to you all the time. Tell Him what worry you, tell Him what’s hard for you. For He will not stay still and not helping you.
7. Seek Help from Allah SWT
As said before, Allah’s helping hand will comes down to everyone asks for it. Allah never bored even you cry to Him ten times a day. He won’t get tired and end up leaving you alone. Tell everything to Allah and asks for help. Before you realize it, your head become lighter and your mind get clearer.
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8. Find a New Interest
A depressed people tend to isolate himself from the outside. That is not a right thing to do, as it can bury him deeper into depression. Start a new hobby to make way out of depression. Do whatever you like to do, as long as it is permissible not breaking the Sharia law. Listening to music and watching movies are definitely not one of them. [AdSense-C]
9. Keep in Mind That Your Life is Easier
What you gone through now is nothing compare to how great Prophet Muhammad must suffer in the early days of Islam. Also, he had one worst situation that others may never have. He lost his beloved wife and uncle when he needed their support most, not to mention that the Prophet was also banished from his own homeland.
Also read: How to Pray Salatul Layl
10. Take Care of Yourself Well
Take care of yourself because it’s the greatest gift Allah has ever give to you. Your body has the right to be taken care of, by regularly exercising, eating good foods, and having a good time from quality sleep. As Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said,
“Verily, your own self has rights over you, so fast and break your fast, pray and sleep.” – Abu Dawud
More Ways How to Help Someone with Depression in Islam
- Take a good time to sleep
- Do not be suspicious of others
- Accept it when you don’t get what you want
- Be among good people
- Learn Quran and the meaning
Those are the ways how to help someone with depression in Islam. As depression is very serious, people who is dealing with it need special treatment and help immediately. Always remember that Allah is always by our side and His helping hand will keep us away from depression. As said by Prophet Muhammad (SAW),
“No person suffers any anxiety or grief, and says (this supplication) but Allah will take away his sorrow and grief, and give him in their stead joy.”