How can I return to the straight path, inshallah?
Assalamu alaykum - I'm a Muslim woman who's been dealing with depression since childhood. I could list reasons, and some are clear, but a lot of the time I go through long stretches of deep sadness and pain that seem to come without a clear cause. I also struggle a lot with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, and that's been a part of me for years. I've tried so many things to make life easier or find some peace, but nothing has helped for long. One thing I feel might help at least a bit is salah. I was never taught to pray as a child, so learning wudu and the prayer steps on my own was really hard. As a result, I haven't been consistent with my prayers for years. My iman feels strong in my heart, yet I can't seem to get myself up to pray. I wonder if Islam can heal my soul, and how to start getting back on the right path. I need simple, practical steps - maybe how to begin praying again when it feels impossible, gentle tips for building small habits, and reminders that can comfort someone in my situation. Any dua, advice, or personal experiences would mean a lot. JazakAllahu khayr.