Depression
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Assalamu alaikum and welcome!
I still remember from my time as a nursing trainee. We had the option to complete our training either in a psychiatric or a somatic (general hospital) clinic. During my training, I had the chance to gain insights into both areas. What struck me most was the "competition" between the two fields. Somatic medicine was often portrayed as cold and robotic, while psychiatry and the conditions treated there were either seen as extreme or not taken seriously at all. I was glad I could do my practical training in both departments, as it showed me the advantages and disadvantages of each work field.
The differences between the two areas made it clear to me that mental illnesses are still associated with prejudices to this day. Someone suffering from schizophrenia is labelled as "crazy." A person with depression is told to "pull themselves together" and they'll feel better. People are sometimes defined and stigmatized by the illnesses they are tested with. However, a person is more than their skin colour, more than their job, more than their social role, and definitely more than their illness! The struggle that those affected go through every day wears them down. If you look closer, you can see how much they are suffering.
It is a test from Allah (swt), just as every physical illness is a test for us. Why are mental illnesses not taken seriously? The soul is what endures forever, after all. The soul and the body influence each other. So why are physical illnesses taken more seriously? Mental illnesses may not be as visible as physical ones, but they significantly affect a person's well-being and health.
For example, depression can prevent individuals from being themselves. It can be imagined as a spiral; the lower you are, the longer and harder it is to climb back up. More energy and effort are needed to perform even simple tasks. But it is precisely this energy that the affected person lacks due to the illness. As if that weren't challenging enough, many people have to cope with the stigma surrounding their condition. This is contradictory, in my opinion, because depression can arise from various factors, including the pressure to conform to societal expectations. The same applies to addiction. In many cultures, it is normal to consume alcohol. It is widely available, but as soon as someone struggles with alcohol dependence, they are often stigmatized by those who consume alcohol themselves.
An illness develops due to various factors. There is never just a single cause responsible. Therefore, a person is never weak if they suffer from a mental illness. On the contrary! Allah (swt) tests each person with something they are capable of overcoming! In a Hadith, it is reported: “When Allah (swt) loves someone, He tests them.”1
I want to encourage all of us to be more considerate of those around us. First, to be compassionate towards ourselves, and then to our neighbours. Simply feeling understood by another person can ease the emotional burden one carries. When I started my training, I wanted to "save the world." I wanted to help and understand everyone around me. But I had to realize that it is not so easy and certainly not quick. In the end, we all walk our own paths, but support from others can make this journey easier. In this regard, I would like to encourage both you and myself to look out for those around us. A sincere smile can make a big difference. The Prophet (saws) said: "A smile to your brother's face is a charity."2 By doing so, we not only benefit others, but also ourselves! When we make others happy, we bring happiness to ourselves.
I truly hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments or a message! Feel free to share this post with those close to you!
Until next time,
Your MindfulMuslima
Sahih Al-Bukhari, Hadith-Nr. 5645
At-Tirmidhi, Hadith-Nr. 1956