THINGS WILL GET BETTER!

Okay so super serious conversation today...

So I was watching a video (you can watch it here) uploaded by MyInvisibleChyrsalis, one of my fave YouTubers, where she talks about struggling with depression for months. She'd been uploading videos during her depression and I never would have guessed she'd been going through something.

I really took it in how you never know what someone is going through on the inside. On the outside, they're cheerful, happy, and have everything going for them. It's all a facade...because inside, they're going through some serious shiz and you would never have even thought it. This is why you gotta ask people how they're doing and truly mean it. They could be smiling at you and it seems as if things are normal, but inside, the simple and sincere question of "How are you doing?" has made their day.

I remembered the time when I was going through depression. I hid it from many people including my family. I didn't feel like anyone would understand me. Especially my parents, who just don't understand this stuff. They, along with many other parents, believe that depression is a result of a lack of faith in the Lord. So it was a very tough time. 

Anyways, most of the time, I didn't want to get out of bed and do anything at all...I just wanted to lie there in the cocoon of darkness I was trapped in for the rest of my life. There were moments where I wished I wasn't alive. I thought about what it would be like if I was just gone. I felt like I was in a dream world. Many times I felt like I was going insane. Of course, I didn't attempt anything...mainly because it's a major sin in Islam and I was too curious about where life was going to take me. I didn't want my story to end especially so early in life. So I got help. I went to counselling on campus. It's helped me a lot. So have my best friends. And of course there is God to thank! Shout out to Him first and foremost.

TO ALL THOSE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION...

You're probably wondering how you can get over depression. I know it's a difficult process. Keep in mind that things WILL get better. It just takes time. The key is dealing with them one day at a time. Keep in mind that the fact that you exist means you're important. You're important to God and to those who love you. You may feel lonely and all alone. But there are others like you. And remember that there ARE people out there who care for you and love you...your parents, your siblings, your grandparents, your friends, etc. DO NOT hurt yourself or do anything! When you're feeling depressed and lonely, find help. Get out of your room and talk to someone whether they're a counselor or a trusted friend. 

To my Muslim peeps, keep in mind that thinking that you're alone is from the whispering of the Shaytan. You are NOT alone like I've said above. Talk to someone and when you have bad thoughts in your head, say "Astaghfirullah". Make dhikr. Remember Allah and beg Him to ease your pain. And for those times when you cry your eyes out and calm down a little, make wudu and just pray. 

And remember that just because you're Muslim and depressed, it DOES NOT MEAN that you're a bad Muslim! Neither does it mean that you shouldn't acknowledge that you're depressed and may need medical help (and there is nothing wrong with this). 

I wish healing and all the best for both my fellow non-Muslim and Muslim human beings suffering from depression. Have hope.

Lots of love!

Credit goes to my dear friend H.S. for contributing to this post.