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Assalamualaikum - Struggling with constant sadness, need guidance as a Muslim

Assalam u Alaikum, I'm from India. My depression began during the COVID lockdown when I was young. My parents and siblings used to argue a lot, and that made me feel overwhelmed. As a result I developed CPTSD (I still have it) and later I had religious OCD about committing shirk. I managed to overcome the OCD in early 2025 (it started in early 2022) - OCD felt like hell for me. I never told my family what I was going through because of their constant fights and arguments. My father can be very toxic - some days he's fine, other days he's in a very bad mood. While I had OCD I planned to run away from the house for a long time because he would hit me or abuse me with words whenever he got the chance, and it affected my academics. One day after an exam I actually ran away, but then I worried my mother would be worried so I came back that night. I never told them why I ran away, though some friends found out. Now I fear and feel guilty about what they think of me and I overthink a lot about it. I don't even attend that institute anymore since it was my final exam. First it was the OCD making me overthink, and now this guilt and constant worrying. Please help me - how do I move past this? My childhood was chaotic and it's still affecting me. I feel like I can't see a therapist because family members might mock me or call me mentally ill on different occasions. JazakAllah khair for any advice. I would appreciate tips that fit an Islamic perspective - supplications, community resources, or practical steps I can take while being mindful of my family's reactions.

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I felt guilty for years too. What helped: schedule one good thing a day, learn one short dua for anxiety, and find a brother at the mosque to talk to anonymously. Therapy online can be confidential and safe.

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Man, that sounds rough. Glad you beat the OCD though. For guilt try istighfar and small consistent dua, and slowly set boundaries with your dad where you can. Even short walks or joining a masjid circle could help you feel less alone.

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You're strong for reaching out. Try grounding exercises when thoughts spiral, keep a private journal of positives, and use dua like Ya Hayyu. If you can, join a support group online - there are Muslim groups that get this stuff.

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Honestly, don't let the family's mockery stop you from getting help. Many therapists offer sliding scale or online sessions. Also, keep short morning dhikr and set tiny goals - beats doing nothing and builds confidence slowly.

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Bro, same kind of family chaos here. CPTSD is real - patience and small routines help. Look up Muslim mental health hotlines or online counselors who understand deen. And don’t rush telling family until you’re stable.

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Wa alaikum assalam bro, been there. Start small: daily duha and salat, and try writing your thoughts down before sleep. It helped me ground myself. Consider anonymous online therapy if family is a problem. You're not weak for needing help.

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Assalamualaikum brother. Consider talking to a trusted imam who won't judge and can suggest community resources. Also apps for CBT helped me with overthinking alongside regular duas. Take it day by day.

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