Feeling Really Down and Hopeless
Assalamu alaikum, everyone. I've been really struggling lately and wanted to reach out to my Muslim brothers and sisters for support. For the last few months, I've been trying to find some guidance or connections online to help me out of a tough situation. I'm a 22-year-old guy living in India, and honestly, I'm finding it really hard to live here. My family situation is tough-they've been unsupportive and even abusive, and since I was 19, I've been pressured to work while my dad hasn't contributed much. I really wanted to continue my studies, but I ended up having to take on jobs instead. On top of that, I feel the weight of providing for my family, and it's so difficult to save up for my dream of moving abroad because I just don't see a future for myself here. I've tried talking to my family about my plans to save up and leave India, but it's tough without a degree. They have some property, but they've made it clear they won't help me financially, even if they sell it. It hurts when your own family doesn't support you or even think about your future. Time is passing quickly, and now at 22, I'm starting to feel the signs of depression. Recent arguments with my parents, where they dismiss my feelings completely, are really getting to me-there are things they've done that I can't even bring myself to mention. What I've asked for before isn't money, just any contacts or connections that could help me find opportunities abroad so I can leave this country. Some might say I could live independently here, but I deeply dislike living in India and can't imagine starting a family or settling here. Seeing my dream slip away, combined with my parents' refusal to listen or assist, is making me feel ill. I can't focus on anything, and I'm growing bitter. It's disheartening when I see our Muslim community not stepping up to help-many of you live in places like the UK, US, or Canada, but it feels like there's little support for those of us still struggling back home. I've lost faith in people because if someone asked me for help, I'd at least try to look into it or connect them with someone, but now I'm stuck in a loop where no one seems willing to do the same for me. Ironically, I've had better responses from non-Muslims than from Muslims, which adds to the pain. As a believing Muslim, I know suicide is haram and leads to eternal damnation, but the pressure and hurt are overwhelming. As I write this, I'm scared because my anxiety, anger, and sadness have built up so much that I can't think clearly anymore-I've even started hitting myself just to cope with the constant pain. I used to underestimate mental health struggles, but now I understand how serious they can be. Dark thoughts have crept in, like using a knife or hanging, as a quick way to end these feelings, and as awful as it sounds, the only comfort I find sometimes is the idea that if things don't work out, I could end it all. It's ridiculous, but I can't help it-even when I pray, these thoughts don't leave me, and my focus is completely gone. I have around $2000 in savings, which I hoped to use for flights or emergencies when I move, so if anyone knows of someone who might hire me or help me relocate, please reach out. And just to be clear, I don't need basic advice on job hunting-I know where to look and apply, but I've had no luck because the economy is rough. I'm not asking for sympathy messages either; I need actual help. If you can assist or know someone who can, please get in touch. I just want to leave my country, no matter where I end up. JazakAllah khair for reading.