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How to Deal with Depression, Anxiety, and Guilt

22 March, 2020
Q Ever since I graduated from university, I have been feeling immense depression and anxiety. I kept the company of pious people in my university. However, since I have come back home and started a research-oriented job, I feel empty and devoid of blessing in my time, my life, and my worshipping. Please help.

Answer


In this counseling answer:

• Your feelings are completely normal. However, please, do not succumb to your feelings and let them define you.

• Continue being hopeful, and strengthen your relationship with Allah.

• Continue looking for jobs.

• Seek out the positive company and spend time with them.

• Seek out Islamic halaqas (gatherings).

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• Find a hobby and master it.

• Volunteer, be a mentor for young people.


As-Salamu ‘Alaykum brother,

Thank you for sending us your question. I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing “immense depression and anxiety” ever since you graduated. I ask Allah to guide you to what is best for you and to fill your time with positivity and achievement.

Brother, you have every right to feel “empty and devoid of barakah (blessing)” in your time, especially after you had completed your degree and are currently jobless.

This period of “downtime” as they call is stressful and frustrating. It is normal to feel worthless since you have been busy for several years to achieve a noble goal of earning a college degree.

Now that you achieved it and maybe having trouble finding a job, you may feel like your dreams have been shattered and may start to feel hopeless and helpless.

How to Deal with Depression, Anxiety, and Guilt - About Islam

First, understand that your feelings are normal. They are the result of the circumstances that you are currently in.

However, please do not succumb to your feelings and let them define you and dictate your life! In other words, do not give up hope that Allah will help you find your way either with a job or with something else that gives your life meaning.

Continue being hopeful, get out of your house, and do something meaningful. Continue looking for jobs, seek out the positive company and spend time with them, seek out Islamic halaqas (gatherings), find a hobby and master it, volunteer, be a mentor for young people, exercise, spend time with relatives that you haven’t seen in a while, etc.

Do good with all the extra time you have now, and in sha’ Allah, Allah will put barakah in your life, and you will feel less empty and less “depressed.” The job will come when Allah wills it, all you have to do is to look for it and seek it out.


Check out this counseling answer:


You are a young man full of energy and life. Don’t waste it! If Allah did not will for you to have a job now, then keep in mind that it was not meant to be and that maybe

He wants you to reflect on life and to take a break from everything or something else. Do not allow your feelings to overcome you; spend your time doing positive things. May Allah give you peace and guide you on the right path.

Salam,

***

Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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About Aliah F. Azmeh
Aliah F. Azmeh is a licensed clinical social worker who practices in Detroit, Michigan. Aliah graduated with a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2007 and has experience working in the United States and overseas. Aliah currently works as a clinical social worker and provides individual, family, and marital counseling at Muslim Family Services in Detroit, MI.