5 Simple Ways to Overcome Depression
We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones), but most of them know not. — Qur’an 44[Ad-Dukhan]:39
The moment you go past the age of adolescence, you begin to face life trials. For many, it’s even before then. The degree of challenges we face differs based on certain factors. We are all going through things in different ways. Life in itself is a trial, so you have to wake up to this reality. The best of mankind — Allah’s Apostle ﷺ was faced with one of the greatest trial of parenthood. He had seven kids and all except one died in his lifetime. In fact, one of them died on the day of Eid. He felt depressed, yet he never lost hope in Allah’s mercy. And at the end, his steadfastness paid off with a smile.
Depression is a state that’s increasingly affecting young people. It’s a condition that doesn’t know gender, color, faith, ethnicity or social status. A situation that simply cuts across human nature, so everyone feel depressed at some points in life. Trust me, you’re not alone. Depression isn’t a feeling you should be shy about. People often fear the stigma of being labelled as having a mental disorder. So they keep to themselves, weep all day long and wallow in grief. This shouldn’t be the case for one who believes in Allah and the last day.
One of the best gifts which Allah bestowed upon the believers is the guidance upon the fitrah. The islamic faith as a way of life proffers solution to every problem facing mankind — depression inclusive. This we shall discuss in the next few lines:
- Depression is a test, so exercise patience with steadfastness: As every life challenge is surmounted with time, same is depression. You’d get over it if you equip yourself with a resistance shied and an armor of resilience. Allah the Most Exalted said: Qur’an 2[Baqarah]:155–158
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Those who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings — who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.
2. Finding remedy with the Qur’an: Indeed! Allah the Most High has mentioned in His holy book thus: Qur’an 17[Isra’]:82
And We send down the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe and it increases the polytheist and wrong-doers in nothing but loss.
Depression sometimes occur as a deception from shaytan’s evil whispering. He puts doubt, low self esteem and sorrow in the heart of man. One can seek refuge with Allah from shaytan by reciting Al-Ma’uzatayn — the verses of refuge. These are suratul Falaq and Nas. In addition, reflecting over the meaning of suratul Duha helps a lot in evolving from depression. Those verses were revealed to the Rasul ﷺ after a period in which the revelation seized for a while. Check them out, feel refreshed and energized.
3. The sunnah, the better: In following the sunnah is that which gives you life. For no one follows the sunnah of the messenger of Allah ﷺ but finds tranquility. There are several supplications taught by Allah’s Apostle in different situations. You can check out the supplication against depression in Hisnul Muslim. Be reminded that the Prophet suffered for the cause of Islam more than any of us. He lost his loved ones and endured severe hunger. Yet the companions reported that they never saw anyone smile as often as him ﷺ. Even when death and destruction seemed so close, the Prophet would continue to smile and spread his positive thoughts.
4. Make dua’ and give charity: The Prophet was reported to have said: “Dua’ is worship. Your Lord said: Call on Me and I’ll answer you.” (Abu Dawud)
There will be no better time to remain steadfast and supplicate. Fast during the day. Rise and pray towards the tail end of the night. And spend in charity, for certainly charity averts evil. All these three have been proven to be efficacious remedies to depression.
5. Keep good company and righteous deeds: Depression is the secret we share. Many of us go through it but fail to admit. It is important to share your situation with someone who can be of help. This should be a trustworthy and righteous individual who can admonish you appropriately. Research shows that consulting with experts often helps in solving depression half way. Be wary of the evil eye, do not discuss your challenges with someone who may be envious of your success. Be amidst people who will remind you of Allah and help you engage in His remembrance. Indulge in dhikr from time to time, for in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.
Bye-Line: If you find this piece beneficial, it’s by the will of Allah. It’s no scholarly work, so the mistakes are mine. Kindly give it a “click-clap” to enable other readers on Medium to see it as well. You may follow this publication to get a glimpse of the updates. I hope you’d read from me again next week in sha Allah!
