Firstly, depression is not something to be ashamed of and one should always feel comfortable enough to open up and talk about it. It can range from being sad, due to the ups and downs of life, to a serious medical illness that needs to be treated through professional help. It can happen to anyone at any time and any age. It is very important to recognize that feelings of hopelessness, shame, and suffering are all normal feelings; however, they should not take over our whole life and prevent us from living life to our fullest. There are several different types of depression: major/clinical depression, chronic depression, situational depression, bipolar disorder, atypical depression, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
The first action you can take to aid your depression is to seek professional help from a family doctor or a psychiatrist. They may suggest a treatment method, including taking pills like anti-depressants. The effectiveness of taking pills is still being questioned by many experts. Hence, you should first give precedence to those kinds of treatments that do not involve taking pills. These treatments may include making lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or going for counselling or therapy so that you can decide the best course of action for yourself.
In addition to a medical intervention, a spiritual approach can also aid in your ailment. In this time, prayer can be very helpful to bring comfort and peace to you. Islam grants us security and gives us strength through faith. A sense of belonging and purpose surely gives anyone peace of mind. We must remember that everyone faces hardships and grief throughout their lives. For example, the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa) was persecuted for thirteen long years, lost many friends and family members and chose to live a life of simplicity. Studying his life can teach us many lessons on how important it is to achieve peace of mind through Allah. Allah has allowed us to build a spiritual and strong connection with Him. Striving for that connection can be an additional method that aids in the process of treating depression.
Many of us may fall into depression about sins we may have committed in the past, but you must remember that Allah forgives all. In the Holy Quran, it states:
قُلۡ یٰعِبَادِیَ الَّذِیۡنَ اَسۡرَفُوۡا عَلٰۤی اَنۡفُسِہِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُوۡا مِنۡ رَّحۡمَۃِ اللّٰہِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ یَغۡفِرُ الذُّنُوۡبَ جَمِیۡعًا ؕ اِنَّہٗ ہُوَ الۡغَفُوۡرُ الرَّحِیۡمُ ﴿۵۴﴾
That is, “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful’” (39:54).
Moreover, it is important to remember that Islam encourages the preservation of life and Allah has completely forbidden suicide. However, if you are feeling suicidal it is important to reach out to someone you trust. If you find talking to a loved one too difficult, call/text your local crisis line. If you require immediate assistance, go to your local hospital or call 9-1-1 (or your regional equivalent).