My life has changed since then. I can't think the same way. I can't understand people, even my family the same way. It feels like when my mother and my siblings have a conversation I can't get them or they can't understand me. They think I am in the middle of nowhere.
I search for counseling regarding this illness, but I can't find anything Islamic. I meant Islamic help.
Other than that. I try working, finding a job but it feels as if my rizq has been closed. It is not that I am starving or hungry but I am dependent on the government benefits and my family to support me.
One more thing my head spins when I talk to people. At first I thought I had seizures but when I got checked up the doctor said there is nothing wrong.
Please What should I do? Please advise me!!
Answer
As salamu alaykum sister,
Thank you for writing to us. As I understand your situation, 7 years ago you were diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. Since that diagnosis you state that your life has changed and you cannot think in the same way. You are currently searching for Islamic counseling regarding this disorder.
Non-Islamic Care
Sister in regards to counseling and treatment for schizoaffective disorder, you also can see a psychiatrist or therapist who is not Muslim, or who does not have an Islamic background. This is okay. Allah in his infinite wisdom has given people who are Muslim and not Muslim talents, skills, intelligence, compassion, and humanitarian concern to treat mental and medical conditions. There is nothing wrong with seeking care for this condition from someone who does not have an Islamic perspective.
Schizoaffective Disorder
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, schizoaffective disorder is relatively rare and is characterized by disorganized thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and mood swings. The cause is unknown. Scientists have found however that schizoaffective disorder tends to run in families.
Those with schizoaffective disorder show changes in brain chemistry and structure. Stressful events can trigger symptoms as well as drug use.
The treatment for schizoaffective disorder includes psychotherapy and medications. Recommended holistic strategies include getting plenty of rest, healthy eating, and engaging in exercising. Exercising in particular is beneficial because “vigorous physical activity fills the mind with mood-enhancing neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which help people maintain their emotional equilibrium and preserve their mental health.” Please see this article for more information and tips on living with schizoaffective disorder.
Seeking Treatment
My dear sister, I do understand your desire for wanting to treat this disorder from an Islamic perspective or with a Muslim therapist or psychiatrist. However, based on what was stated above, it is perfectly fine to seek treatment from other mental health sources.
The important thing right now is to get treatment as soon as possible. With medication and therapy, you may find your symptoms more manageable in sha Allah.
Sister, I kindly suggest that you seek out a psychiatrist in your area who can manage this disorder. He or she will likely refer you for therapy as well. Both a psychiatrist and a therapist will be critical in the management of the symptoms.
The Path to Healing
My dear sister, the main path to healing and being able to live a more productive life insha’Allah will be contingent upon your engaging in ongoing mental health treatment.
It is imperative that you do consider treatment should you desire a more stable and happy life. Once you are on medication and engaged in therapy, you may find that you are feeling much better and are having interactions with family and others which flow easily and are more understandable.
You may begin to feel a sense of “normalcy”.
Sadly, many people do not seek treatment and try to live with the symptoms of mental illness. Tragically, it often gets worse as time goes by and a lot of productive, happy years are lost to mental health symptoms when in reality there is help available that could make things better.
Depending upon Allah is also critical for healing. Making dua, doing dhikr, reading Qur’an, as well as asking Allah The Almighty to grant you ease and shifa is important. Trusting and staying close to Allah is a blessing for all who seek healing.
Conclusion
Sister, as schizoaffective disorder is chronic, it is something you will need to be aware of in terms of a lifetime active commitment to health. It is not the end of the world, as there are a lot worse things you could have.
It does however require consistency and dedication to maintain optimal mental health. It requires that you value yourself enough to take the steps needed to manage this diagnosis and live a fuller, happier life. With proper psychiatric treatment and therapy-it is something that can be managed insha’Allah.
We wish you the best.
Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general. They are 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.
📚 Read Also: OCD is Flaring up Again and Affect My Religion