ISLAMIC ARTICLE -:- Getting Through Mini-Depressions

Many people periodically go through short depressions when they
feelnegative about everything in their lives. There are ways we can
minimize these depressions, and steps we can take to ensure we don't
sabotage our relationships when we're feeling blue.
In my case, I go through regular periods of mini-depression every few
months. My mood will be utterly black, my mind filled with
self-critical thoughts: "I'm a failure, I'ma hypocrite, I have no real
friends, I've wasted my life…" But even in the depths of depression I
know that the mood will not last. One good night's sleep will restore
me to normal, Insha'Allah. So I keep my mouth shut and do not express
those negative thoughts to family or friends, because I know I will
regret it later if I do….
Does this happen to you? Ifso, then pay attention to your own
emotional cycles so that you know what to expect. Control yourself
when you're feeling down. Speak only what is good, or stay silent.
Let's be very clear: You should not ignore genuine problems in your
life. If something is missing or making you unhappy, workon it
Insha'Allah. I'm also not saying that you should remain silent about
real issues that you face. If you've got problems in your family, it's
important to communicate to resolve them. It's also good to talk to a
therapist or counselor.
But when you are depressed, your viewpoint becomes skewed, and it's
not necessarily representative of reality. Sowhen you have those dark
thoughts that say, "My life is worthless and I hate everyone," don't
express those to anyone except your therapist or counselor.Don't call
up your best friend and say, "You're not a true friend, you don't care
about me." That's not productive and will only destroy your
relationship.
When you're depressed, hold on to your lifeline with God, eat well and
get plenty of rest, and be patient until the mood passes Insha'Allah.
Try to fill your life with good things: people you care about, work
that matters, hobbies you love, good books to read, exercise youenjoy…
these good things provide a safety net when you're feeling blue.
For example, photographerand human rights activist Asmaa-Deanna Dee
says, "When I am feeling low and downtrodden I just find a quiet place
and sit alone with my favorite book (the Quran)! When I turn each of
its miraculous pages my heart begins to feel lighter and the world
around me brighter! The love, warmth and security of each word sets in
and it is in these very moments that I know for sure in my heart how
much Allah really loves me! Alhamdulillah! Subhanallah! Allahu Akbar!"
Also remind yourself of the good things in your life, and try to be
grateful for them. Do not look to those who have more than you, but
those who have less. Think of the times in your life when God has
helped you, guided you, and savedyou. He will do so again.
By the way, I don't get those mini-depressions as often anymore. I'm
not sure why, but it could be that I exercise every day now. Also, I
am active in the Muslim community, I write passionately about subjects
that are importantto me, and I have a daughter who I love… my life is
full of good things Alhamdulillah.
May your life also be full of good things.

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HADEES:->-Give Me Something Better

The Messenger of Allah (sws) said: "There is no calamity that befalls
one ofthe Muslims and he responds 'Inna Lillahi wa inna ilahi
raaji'oun, Allahumma ujurni fi museebati w'ukhluf li khayran minha,'
(Truly to Allah we belong & truly to Him we shall return, O Allah
reward me in this calamity & compensate mewith something better than
it), but Allah will compensate him with something better than it."
(Muslim 918)
In other words, if you've lost something precious, orif disaster has
hit you, and you respond with faith in Allah, asking Him to
replaceyour loss with something better, then Allah will surely respond
and give you something better.
SubhanAllah! What more could we ask? Allah is the only one who does
this. If your house is destroyed, the insurance company willtry to
find a way to deny your claim, and if they finally pay then they will
pay less than it's worth.
The crucial thing is that thedua' must be said in that moment of pain
and loss, when you are really hurting. You can't respond at first by
saying, "Why did you do this to me Allah, I didn't deserve this!" then
months later when you've recovered somewhat, thinkyou can say this
dua' and itwill work for you.
The whole point is that in those moments when life is most difficult
and you are totally thrown for a loop, you respond by turning to
Allah. That's the test. Those moments are the proving ground of
yoursoul. If you can face Allah inthose moments of agony and say – I
trust You, all things return to You, I know you will give me something
better – then indeed Allah will give you more than you can imagine.
May Allah give us the strength to remember Him and turn to Him
instinctively in times of calamity and times of joy as well.

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HADEES:->-

1
Shaikh Uthaimeen, may Allaah have mercy on him said,
✿:• From Allah's Blessings on a servant is that he be granted
contentment, whether that be regarding his residence, his clothes, his
means of transport, or his children. For when a person is content with
what Allaah has given him, he will remain rich •:✿
[Bulughul-Maraa m, vol. 6, p. 272.]
2
''If I kept silent and you kept silent,who will teach the ignorant?"
~Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim {Rahimahullah}
3
"My Lord! Creator of the heavens and earth, You aremy protector in
this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a Muslim and join me
with the righteous."
(The Du'aa of Yusuf -alyhissalam- 12:101)

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HADEES:->-

Shaikh Uthaimeen, may Allaah have mercy on him said,
✿:• From Allah's Blessings on a servant is that he be granted
contentment, whether that be regarding his residence, his clothes, his
means of transport, or his children. For when a person is content with
what Allaah has given him, he will remain rich •:✿
[Bulughul-Maraa m, vol. 6, p. 272.]

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