According to the dictionary depression means “extreme dejection”, and dejection is described as sad, heavy hearted, downcast, in low spirits. In medical terms the word depression is used to describe a range of moods, from low spirits to a severe problem that interferes with everyday life. A clinically depressed person is one who is overwhelmed by feelings of dejection to the extent that instead of being positive and productive one becomes negative and lacks motivation to go about their normal daily routine, and one feels no joy whatsoever. In extreme cases a person may hallucinate or even consider suicide. Therefore a person feeling heavy hearted or who is low in spirits but does not let these feelings overwhelm him to the extent of loosing productivity, is not classified as a depressed person. With mild forms of depression one can lead a normal life though everything may be harder to cope with.

Medically the causes of depression seem to be many. External circumstances like death, divorce, loss of wealth, status or good health, separation etc cause anxiety, grief and despair. Other known causes are deficiency of certain hormones, chemical imbalance in the brain, side effects of certain medications, postnatal and seasonal, and use of drugs and alcohol. Hereditary factors are also known to cause depression and often, there seems to be no known reasons for a person’s depression.

There are many types of depression and it has become so common that almost every person knows someone who is depressed. Call it a physical illness or a spiritual one, the discussion so far is in medical terms; experts with differing views, facts and theories, interchangeable from day to day……….

We are, by the grace of Allah, Believers, and as Believers in every situation we turn to the true and eternal faith. As Believers we should not let depression overtake us. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an,

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, we believe, and will not be tested?
And indeed We tested those who were before them” (Ankaboot, 2-3)

He will test us with both grief and happiness, and for a Believer both situations are nothing but goodness. When in happiness a Believer shows gratitude and this pleases Allah, and when overtaken by grief, a Believer bears it with patience and this pleases Allah. A Believer derives great comfort and courage from the knowledge of the absolute power of Allah. Is there any problem that He cannot solve? And if the problem is not solved immediately then a Believer has absolute faith in the eternal wisdom of Allah. He is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

“Allah hears your cries of woe
He knows best and you don’t know”

Why should a Believer despair when Allah says in the Holy Qur’an,

“But lo! With hardship goeth ease, Lo! With hardship goeth ease” (94:5-6)

Says a poet,

“Why shed tears of sorrow, Why shed tears of grief, After trials come sweet relief”

To feel grief is beyond one’s control and to shed tears is not against the concept of patience. If patience is in the heart, the body will remain in control and one’s actions will be those that please Allah. One’s tongue will not utter that which displeases Allah and one will continue to fulfil one’s duties to Allah and the Creation.

When overcome by any calamity, a Believer, having firm faith in Taqdeer, will resign himself to his fate. With great courage he will put in the correct effort by using the means provided, i.e. resorting to medical treatment where necessary and turning to pious Ulama for advice and counselling, all the while resorting to supplication with total reliance on Allah who has the absolute power to turn things around.

Reading and pondering over the hardships suffered by our Prophets A.S., the Sahaba R.A. and the Awliya ra; reflecting on the hardships suffered by those worse off than us, those with heart rending diseases, those in war torn countries, those made homeless, hungry and bereaved by natural disasters; one will be left with a firm conviction that no matter how grave one’s situation is, there is still much to be grateful for. This will help one to come to terms with one’s grief quickly and the depressing mood will not be allowed to continue. Peace will enter the heart and despair will turn to hope. As Believers we take great comfort from the beautiful words of a Hadith e Qudsi;

“I am in the broken hearts of people”