Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
I was born in London and lived there for ten years. Then I moved to another country, and I have been feeling sad and depressed for seven years because I miss it there so much. We can never go back, but I don’t want to either because of what’s been happening. My happiness is ruined there, and I miss the feeling of joy there.
I feel sad here; I feel empty now; I almost feel nothing; I only laugh when something is funny. I can’t understand my feelings. I don’t feel happy nor sad, either, but I then think both at the same time. We had to move because of safety, but I can’t eliminate this feeling. What should I do?
Answer
I empathize with your mixed feelings, and I pray you can rediscover your happiness and peace; remember that you can only find that with Allah Most High.
Moving
Moving is complicated, and you are not alone. Millions have emigrated in the last decade due to wars, instability, pandemic, and other reasons. It would be best if you kept in mind that Allah Most High is your end goal. Make Him the point of everything you do, try to stay positive, always socialize and help others who need help. Make the Quran your best friend, and repent daily. Always compare yourself to those who have less in this-worldly matters and those who have more than you in spiritual matters. This should constantly motivate you. Finally, be sure to see a therapist who can help you deal with your depression correctly.
Remember the words of Allah Most High, when the believers were feeling defeated and weak: “Do not falter or grieve, for you will have the upper hand if you are ˹true˺ believers.” [Quran, 3:139]
Steps
Please read the resources below and use the practical tips:
How to Get Rid of Suicidal Thoughts and Depression?
Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health- Shaykh Abdurrahim Reasat
Fighting Depression Through The Remembrance Of Allah
Being Depressed? Or Hoping for the Best?
Depression and Sadness.
May Allah Most High give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.