format_quote Originally Posted by
aa009
salam ualakum brothers and sisters,
ramadan mubarak to you all, I was wondering if someone could notify me of the islamic approach to dealing with bipolar disorder? I've had it for a while and i'm tired of what its done to me especially this year, i came close to giving up my university and my life. I know these are signs of weak faith but I would like to know where do i go from here? I'm going to into my second year of university soon and i am almost certain i am going to have a relapse of all the panic attacks and the suicidal thoughts again. I almost want to quit university now but I know its wrong. I think my family and friends are sick of hearing me moan and winge and so I've lost contact with most of my friends. The problem is that most of my family's future relies on me doing well in university, as my siblings are autistic and my mother is unwell. I lost contact with the forum and really regretted it and thats why ive come back here for advice i just want to stop feeling so low. I want to be smart and ambitious again and maintain that ambition, not have one good day and 3 bad days to follow. If i go to the doctor i will be prescribed with pills which i believe will not help, i would rather find another approach as to be honest i believe this whole "bipolar disorder being a chemical imbalance in the brain" is highly over exaggerated. When Im really low its just the shaytan telling me i'm worthless etc. I just want a more suitable solution, please could someone be honest with me? even if you think i am winging now please tell me i would like the honest truth i do not want pity. I feel like crap almost all the time and i would like it to go away i cant afford to lose university its all i have without it i know i will be on the verge of commiting suicide as i dont have a plan B. My disorder/ or my mood/ pessimism has made me doubt the one hing ive always wanted to do, ive always wanted to go to uni to create medicines to help those with Aids or Alzheimers disease or cancer etc. I want to make a real difference but how can i when I am constantly high or low? please could someone help me i have no one else to turn to. thank you for taking the time to look at my thread please dont feel apprehensive about replying to my thread, I admire honesty and constructive criticism I want the islamic way out not "therapy" given by non-believers whilst i am sure it will help, it's not what i think is right. if i am wrong please let me know. thank you again.
:sl:
Jazakallahu Khayr for sharing your issues with us. I cannot pretend to know what you are going through as I do not. But what I can say is that when Allah wants good for a person then he tests them. Most of us go through different types of tests. Some with health, some with wealth, some with their children or family members. In your case it is your health or specifically mental health.
The first thing I would say and the most important point to consider in your situation is to first ACCEPT YOUR SITUATION. Accept the fact that you have this condition and it is ordained by Allah as a test to you. Think to yourself that everyone goes through different tests in their lives and that this is my own personal test. Acceptance is the first step towards making progress. Once you have accepted your situation then NEVER think to yourself that you cannot achieve what you want to achieve. You can and will achieve whatever you want to as long as it is best for you. Yes you will be restricted in being able to do certain things as we all are, but no one can do everything anyway so that's not even an issue. Also it maybe be harder for you to do things that maybe easier for others, but so what? One can only do the best they can. Plus you can also do things that others cant. We all have unique gifts and are unique unto each other. That is just the way Allah created us.
Also accept the fact that you will have ups and downs because of this condition. But know that Allah is there for you always no matter what. He is ALWAYS there for those who are patient. So be patient and know that Allah is with the patient. NEVER question Allah as to "why"? Whatever he has ordained for us is the best for us. He created us and knows what is best for us but we definitely do not know what is best for us at all. That brings me to my second point:
Put your trust and HOPE IN ALLAH. He knows what is best for you and as long as you do the best you can then he will do what is best for you in your life. Whether it is work, marriage etc. then as long as you try your best then leave the rest to Allah and out your trust and hope in him. That is the best you can do. My third point is:
Live for the Hereafter. Don't put any of your hopes, dreams and ambitions into this life. Because if we cannot achieve it then we end up being disappointed. Allah tells us many times in the Qur'an that this is not your real life but the real life is the Hereafter. That is the life we should be working towards. Now is the time we can build our Hereafter as after death we cannot do no more. So work and chase the Hereafter. Make that your main concern. Those who chase the Hereafter then this world comes running to them. But those who chase this world then they will only have what is meant for them and no more.
Get SUPPORT from your family, partner and those around you. They have to be understanding to your issues and needs and you and your family may need help in order to understand and learn how to respond to your behaviour especially in a relapse or when you are really down. This may not be offered to you and your family but you should actively seek it out as the support of those around you is crucial. So ask for counselling/psychotherapy and therapy for your family as there is a lot of emotions involved with such a condition which all involved feel and there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Finally CO-OPERATE with your medics Co-operate with the medics. They are on your side. They are not against you. There is nothing un-Islamic about taking medicine for mental health. The doctors know best with this regard. If there are some medicines which are not making you feel any good then let them know so they can find an alternative for you. Don't just sit there and accept it. They are there to help you not hinder you. Also look for alternative treatments to. Look into cupping (Hijaamah), acupuncture. Try different things. But most of all always cooperate with your medics and speak to your specialist or consultant regularly to find the best treatment for you.
Also know that the Qur'an is a cure. So read the Qur'an and its translation and meanings. Listening to and reciting the Qur'an is also said to be of great help. Surah Listen to Ad-Duha and Surah Al-Inshirah (Solace) particularly which is recommended to listen and recite by Dr. Israr ul Haq who's father also suffers from Bipolar.
Surah Duha:
Surah Al Inshirah (Solace) :
There is no reason why you cannot have a good quality life like everyone else. Whilst being rewarded immensely for being patient through your illness and have trust and hope in Allah and turning to him as that is what he wants. This is a means for you to get closer to Allah. So it is a blessing in disguise. Allah loves you more than you can ever comprehend and wants the best for you in every aspect of your life. So make much effort, strive, persevere with patience and trust and hope in Allah and everything will fall into place.
I hope the following articles also help:
Muslim…and Bipolar! Coping with Mental Illness today
Source: http://www.theislamicmonthly.com/mus...illness-today/
The following are more interesting reads which I hope will help you:
Allah's Promise: A Journey through bipolar disorder:
http://mentalhealth4muslims.com/2012...der/#&panel1-5
Managing Bipolar according to Western and Islamic approaches:
http://docsdrive.com/pdfs/medwelljou...12/329-333.pdf
So ask of Allah and beg and cry unto him and he will never turn you away. Especially in these last few blessed nights and just before fast opens and closes. Please let us know how you get on.
I pray Allah gives you the best in this life and the next. Ameen