Defeating Depression

Depression as a disease is on the increase. Islam provides guidelines on dealing with this invisible monster and defeating it.

TREAT A CAUSE
SIN: The Qur’aan says that the person who turns away from the remembrance and obedience of Allah and engages in sin, shall have a very narrow and difficult life (20:123). Depression brings irritability, weight gain or loss, impaired concentration, tiredness and nothing makes one happy.
CURE: Leave out sin and the things that draw you towards it like bad company. The Qur’aan mentions that with the remembrance and obedience of Allah do people’s hearts gain contentment (13:28) and thus beat depression. The Hadith tells us that leaving out certain sins will bring enjoyment in worship, while doing certain good deeds like reading Fajr gives one energy and zest.

BANISHING THE BLUES
Be thankful to Allah for what you already have. Qur’aan: If you are grateful, then I (Allah) will most certainly increase (my favours) for you. (14:7)
Don’t brood over the past. Never say ‘Had I done it differently’ This opens the door for the Devil and depression. It was set out by Allah for you to act the way you had.
Do good to others to please Allah. The Qur’aan tells us that when a Muslim does a good act, then this guarantees him/her a beautiful life, free of depression. (16:97)
There is an end to all worry and pleasure of this world: the enjoyments of this world are but little (Qur’aan) while there isn’t a single comfort except the comfort of the Hereafter (Hadith).