TO UNDERSTANDING AND COPING

A MUSLIMAHS GUIDE

Thinking Positively

WITH DEPRESSION

What is Depression?
Depression is a medical illness which includes many emotional, cognitive, physical and behavioral symptoms. Depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in performing normal day-to-day activities, while also making one feel as if life is not worth living. Depression is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment. But have faith,and think positive, as most people with depression can improve the quality of their life and feel better with proper treatment.

Types of Depression
Depression comes in many shapes and forms. Different types of depression have unique symptoms, causes, and effects. Knowing what type of depression you have can help you manage your symptoms and get the most effective treatment.

General Signs & Symptoms Of Depression In Women

Depressed mood, sadness nearly every day & throughout the day Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and worthlessness Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death Appetite and weight changes Difficulty concentrating Lack of energy and fatigue Sleep disturbances or Feelings of irritability

The above list may not include all of the symptoms a person may experience. Speak to your doctor for symptoms that persist for most of the day, throughout the day, and nearly every day for at least 2 consecutive weeks.

Post-Partum Depression
Many new mothers suffer a form of the baby blues. However, with time and a good support system, majority of women get over that hump. In contrast, postpartum depression is a longer lasting and more serious depression triggered in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Post partum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth could be classified as postpartum depression2. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about post partum depression.

Key Factors
S Family history S An imbalance of chemicals in the brain S Difficult life events or increased work demands S Traumatic events in childhood can influence a persons mental outlook throughout their life including abuse, neglect, divorce and family violence S Gender - women are more likely to develop depression than men S Sedentary lifestyle or substance S Chronic illness or substance abuse S Low income, living alone or divorced

Whats Next?
Talk to friends and family for support Make an appointment to visit your doctor Talk to the imam or counselor at the local masjid for spiritual guidance and support Not everyone who has similar symptoms has depression. For many of us, a few lifestyle changes can help us better cope with feelings of depression and isolation. But if your doctor confirms a diagnosis of depression, please ensure you take the appropriate measures so that you can get your life back on track.

Is It My Fault?
No, dont blame yourself. Remember everything is the qadar of Allah SWT. Allah knows what struggles you are facing and has not left you to your own devices. He has given us cure by means in the dunia, and in the Quran and the Sunnah, we find ways of coping.

Oh you who have attained to faith! Seek aid in steadfast patience and prayer: for, behold, God is with those who are patient in adversity. (2:153)
Many women feel ashamed to seek help. There is no need to suffer alone. It is not something you have brought on to yourself. Getting help can change your life; it is an illness that can be treated.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Depression is an illness that requires professional diagnosis, support, and assistance. There are proactive measures that you can implement, in addition to the professional treatment, to help with the recovery process: Stick to your treatment plan: medication and/or, talk therapy Educate yourself about depression. Recite specified duas from the sunnah (see duas for depression). Keep up with regular Worship & Spiritual activities such as sadaqa, salah, dhikr (see fortress of Muslim) Pay attention to the signs of warning (see symptom checklist) Lifestyle changes with approval from your doctor: Exercise regularly, eat healthy, and get quality sleep Join social activities and build healthy relationships Challenge negative thinking (by replacing with positive thoughts)

Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better. Even though it may seem impossible to overcoming your struggles, its not impossible. Start small but stay focused on your goals. Whether it is to visit a loved one or take a walk around your neighborhood. Remember that recovering and coping with depression requires action from your limbs and tawwkaul (trust in Allah) from your heart.

Road To Recovery
Islamic Tips and Advice 1. Our faith plays an important role in keep ing us in good mental, physical,
and spiritual health. Belief and practice in our Islamic teachings plays an integral role in helping us cope with the stresses of daily life

2. Praying to Allah (swt) and truly believing that He is capable of changing

any situation for the better, will have a positive effect on our mental condition

3. Instead of worrying and obsessing about a problem, one should depend

on Allah swt

4. Combine Islamic therapy/teachings with your prescribed treatment plan

(Ruqya, drinking zam zam and making dua, reciting the Quran)

5. We have been created by the Almighty to be tested and tried,

and our success lies in perseverance and patience during these difficult episodes in life

6. Look for sisters halaqas, classes for support, and other extracurricular

activities. (Contact your local Masjid or centre for events in the community).

Duas For Depression

La ilaaha ill-Allaah al-Azeem ul-Haleem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb il-arsh il-azeem, Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Rabb is-samawaati wa Rabb il-ard wa Rabb il-arsh il-kareem (There is no god except Allaah, the All-Mighty, the Forbearing; there is no god except Allaah, the Lord of the Mighty Throne; there is no god except Allaah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth and Lord of the noble Throne). Allaahumma innee abduka wa ibn abdika wa ibn amatika, naasiyati bi yadika, maadin fiyya hukmuka, adlun fiyya qadaauka, asaluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw istatharta bihi fi ilm il-ghaybi andak an tajala al-Quraana rabee qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaaa huzni wa dhahaaba hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your female slave, 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 named 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 Quraan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety)

Advice for protection from the Waswas

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us two important things: 1. To turn to Allaah and seek His protection, and to beseech Him, for He is the most Generous: And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytaan (Satan), then seek refuge with Allaah [al-Araaf 7:200 interpretation of the meaning] 2. To put a stop to this matter and turn away from it, and to keep ourselves busy with other, useful things. Remember No Muslim suffers tiredness, exhaustion, worry, grief, annoyance or distress, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allaah will expiate some of his sins thereby. (al-Bukhaari, 2573;
Muslim, 5642).

Empowering, Supporting & Achieving Excellence

The Womens Resource Centre focuses on empowering women to be successful in all facets of their lives. By facilitating knowledge, awareness and acquisition of necessary skills, the Womens Resource Centre enables women to harness the reigns of personal growth, success and empowerment. Central to the Womens Resource Centre is the welcome centre that assists in welcoming and integrating those who may otherwise by socially isolated. Strengthening the relationship, the centre provides a space where they can engage socially in a safe environment as well as meet women in similar situations with similar experiences.

A Program of

905 608 0004 wrc@mercymission.ca

Mercy Mission Madinah 3176 Ridgeway Drive, Unit #47 Mississauga, ON L5L 5S6 info@mercymission.ca www.mercymission.ca