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Feeling Overwhelmed and Seeking Guidance, Sisters

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, dear sisters. Alhamdulillah, I have seen some improvement in a part of my life I shared about before, but now I’m reaching out again because I really need advice. I have ADHD, anxiety, and several health challenges. Being the youngest in my family with big age differences made growing up quite lonely, and I was bullied a lot until high school. I’ve shared before that my brother hurt me when I was young. As an adult, I keep my distance and tell him not to touch me, but he seems to get very upset and emotional about this. He reminds me we’re siblings, but I feel very uncomfortable and even disgusted around him or when any man tries to touch me. This trauma still weighs heavily on me. Another thing troubling me is feeling useless at home. I struggle with school constantly, and my parents can’t afford tutoring. My sister says she’s given me advice many times, but I often don’t seem to remember or understand it. I’m messy too, and we share a room with clothes all over the floor. I experience depressive episodes and sometimes forget the advice people give me, maybe because of my ADHD. My sister gets tired because she listens and advises me but feels I don’t take it in. I try to study but easily get distracted. I don’t take medication for my ADHD or anxiety because of bad side effects. I know I’ve been raised quite dependent on my family, and I feel guilty for not helping my sister more. It’s like I have weights holding me back. I had therapy before but don’t remember much from it, and my mind is always racing with so many thoughts. I fixate on many things but can’t focus on what’s important. I’m also worried because my aunt said it’s haram to avoid talking to siblings for more than three days, and I’m not comfortable with my brother but don’t know how to handle this. I often seek advice because I feel lost and struggle to understand people. I don’t want to label myself as emotionally unintelligent or anything like that, but I just don’t know. I feel like I’m always chasing someone to guide or take care of me, and that’s why I love Islam-it gives me clear direction. I’m not good at organizing myself and failed college before taking a year off to figure things out and change my major, but I’m still struggling. When I focus on one thing, I neglect others-school, hygiene, tidying my room, washing dishes, going to the gym-it’s hard to find balance. I know this is a lot, but I feel like I’m sinking and confused about how to become independent and strong. I’ve done ruqyah twice and try to read Surah Al-Baqarah almost every day. Please, sisters, I would really appreciate your support and advice. If you can help me understand myself better or suggest what I can do, Jazak’Allah Khair. Your sister is truly in need of help.

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Comments

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I love that you find comfort in Islam. Holding onto your faith can be a real anchor. Keep reading and praying just like you do, it’ll help you through the fog.

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That sounds super tough with your brother. Your feelings are valid and protecting yourself is important. Maybe you could gently explain your boundaries to him again, but only when you feel safe.

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I totally get the guilt feeling around family. Remember, taking care of your mental health is part of being strong. You don’t have to do everything at once.

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It’s okay not to remember everything from therapy. Maybe journaling daily would help with your racing thoughts and keeping track of things you want to remember?

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Sending you so much love and strength, sister. It’s okay to take things slow and ask for help when you need it. Maybe try breaking tasks into tiny steps? You’re not alone in this.

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Maybe try talking to a female counselor or someone in your community who understands your background? Sometimes face-to-face support makes a difference.

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Girl, I struggle with focus too! Have you tried setting timers for just 10 minutes on a task? Small bursts really helped me not get overwhelmed and stay on track.

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Don't be too hard on yourself for feeling lost. We all have times like this. You’re brave for reaching out and trying to figure things out. One day at a time, sister.

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I relate to feeling overwhelmed with ADHD and anxiety. Try some gentle routines and maybe write things down? It helps me remember little stuff. You’re doing your best, that’s enough.

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