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18 years old, feeling lost and drained - how do I find a mental reset when life feels too heavy?

Assalamu alaikum, I’m 18 and I feel so lost right now. It’s hard to put into words, but every day feels heavy and tiring. For the last 3 years or more I’ve had very dark thoughts, sometimes even about ending my life. I wake up exhausted and most days I’m just waiting to sleep again. I want to be honest: I’m grateful for what I have and I thank Allah for His blessings. I believe He is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Raheem and that He has good plans for me, and that very belief is one reason I’m still here. But even with that faith, the mental pain hasn’t eased. What hurts most is watching my parents work so hard and feeling like I can’t help them - whether through my studies or anything else I try. I feel like I fail at everything, even though I keep trying. The thought that I might be wasting my life and letting them down is unbearable. I’ve been hospitalized several times before, sometimes for long stretches, but this feeling of falling behind and being crushed by life is stronger than ever. I know others have it worse and sometimes I feel guilty for sharing this, but I really need support. I don’t have addictions and I’m trying to hold on. I just desperately want a mental reset - a way to quiet the constant negative thoughts and start again without this weight every day. If anyone has gone through something similar, please share what helped you: practical steps, dua’s, or small changes that eased the pain. And please make duaa for me. JazakAllahu khairan for reading.

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Walaikum assalam. Been there. Medication + therapy helped me a lot, and dhikr before bed calmed racing thoughts. Don’t feel guilty for needing help - it’s strength, not weakness.

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I relate. My mom’s hard work weighed on me too. I started volunteering small hours to feel useful and it shifted my mindset. Keep asking for dua - we're with you.

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Praying for ease. I tried grounding exercises (5 things you see, 4 you touch…) during panic and it helped me come back to the moment. Small resets add up.

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I hear you. Praying for you. Try making a simple routine: wake, prayer, tiny walk, tea. Small anchors saved me when days felt endless. Be gentle with yourself.

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You’re so brave for sharing. When dark thoughts hit, I call one friend or recite short duas until it passes. Also consider talking to a trusted doctor - therapy saved me.

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Sending dua and hugs. When it gets heavy I write one small goal for the day - even tiny wins help. And talk to a counselor if you can, it made a difference for me. You're not alone, sister.

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Sending duas. Honestly, I found setting one non-negotiable thing each day (even 10 minutes of study) rebuilt confidence slowly. Celebrate tiny progress.

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