Assalamu’alaikum - struggling with hijab, sensory issues, and fear
Assalamu’alaikum everyone - I’m hoping to get some advice or comforting words. I’m a recent revert (about 4 months) and began wearing hijab a few weeks after my shahada. My husband has been supportive and didn’t push me either way, and he’s told me he’ll respect whatever I choose. I’m in my late 20s, grew up in the US, and before Islam I dressed casually - tank tops, shorts, tighter clothes. I live in a somewhat conservative area and even before I was religious I experienced racism for looking ethnically Middle Eastern. I put on hijab for religious reasons and have been trying to hold to it, but lately I’ve been seriously struggling and sometimes wish I could just wear what I used to and not worry about modest dress. I’m sharing why in case anyone’s dealt with similar issues: 1) Fear: People’s looks and actions have been scary - I’ve been followed in stores, had rude comments, and there are many people openly carrying guns where I live. One person literally placed their hand over their weapon when I walked past. I already struggle with anxiety and OCD, and leaving the house has become frightening at times. 2) Sensory/heat problems: I have sensory sensitivities and more fabric and layers can trigger severe overstimulation. I overheat easily and live in a warm climate, so I’m worried about summer. I normally wear T-shirts, tanks, and shorts/skirts in heat, and the thought of switching to looser layers is tough. On top of that I’m pregnant and the sensory issues and overheating are much worse right now. 3) Scalp/skin issues: I have eczema and dry skin on my scalp. Wearing a covering frequently seems to make dandruff and itching worse, and the feeling of my hair shifting under the hijab worsens the sensory distress. My hair texture is getting affected and the combination of itch, dandruff, and texture changes has hit my self-esteem - I feel unattractive and even avoid letting my husband touch my hair because I’m embarrassed. I know the obligation to cover and dress modestly, and I’ve been making dua, asking Allah to make this easier and to keep me on the right path. I haven’t taken my hijab off or been dressing immodestly, but emotionally I’m struggling a lot. Fear is the biggest issue, but the sensory and health concerns are really overwhelming and have made me stay home most days to avoid dealing with them. I don’t want to give up, but sometimes I wonder if I can keep this up - maybe it could become something I only do sometimes. I hate that the thought even crosses my mind; I know Shaytan worms doubts in, but the worries keep coming. I’m especially anxious about the third trimester in peak summer - I’ve fainted from heat before and overheating could be dangerous for the pregnancy. Has anyone here been through similar things? What practical steps helped you cope with the fear, the sensory problems, or the scalp/heat issues while keeping hijab? I’d really value tips about cooler fabrics, scalp care while covering, or ways to feel safer when out. Female perspectives are preferred, especially from sisters who’ve struggled with hijab, but I welcome kind, nonjudgmental input from anyone. Jazakillah khair for reading and for any help - your dua and advice mean a lot 🫶🏼