10 tips to fight depression

Feeling down in the dumps, depressed, having the blues: these are just some of the terms used to describe a feeling of hopelessness and despair that can hit even the most optimistic of us at some point in our lives. While clinical depression requires proper professional treatment, the occasional feeling of sadness due to factors ranging from economic difficulty to harassment and discrimination can be helped through some simple spiritual practices. Here are a couple that can help:

1. Look at those below you

The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Whenever you see someone better than you in wealth, face or figure, you should look at someone who is inferior to you in these respects" (Bukhari, Muslim).




2. Serve your fellow human beings

The best way to thank God is to serve humanity, especially those who have less than you. Serving others is uplifting and rewarding. It helps us gain a better perspective on life's challenges, making us realize how very often, are problems seem so small compared to the awesome difficulties others face.


3. Read Surah Ad Duha


4. Turn to God in all situations


5. Remember God's Names


6. Say Hasbun Allahu wa Ni' mal Wakeel

This has been translated as "God suffices me and He is the best guardian." It is an excellent way of reminding us that whatever worries we have or problems we face, God has the answer and cure to all of them and is the only One who can really do what is best for us.

7. Make sure when you leave home, you read this Dua


Bismillahe tawakkaltu alAllahe la haula wa la quwwata illa biAllah.

8. Take your spiritual break from the world, five times a day


9. End your day on a good note

Shakespeare once wrote a play entitled "All's well that ends well." That's good advice for dealing with depression too. End a day that may have been riddled with challenges and frustrations by making Wudu before going to bed, thinking of God and the Prophet and counting every blessings you have.

10. Stop Shaytan in his tracks

Shaytan is the source of many of our negative emotions. It's his job to make us feel pessimistic and to despair of any good in life. When you feel these feelings coming on, stop him dead in his tracks: say Aoutho billahi minash Shaytan ir Rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed satan).


Photo Attribution: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Depressed_(4649749639).jpg

Add new comment

(If you're a human, don't change the following field)
Your first name.
(If you're a human, don't change the following field)
Your first name.
(If you're a human, don't change the following field)
Your first name.