sister
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I Don't Recognize Myself Anymore

Assalamu alaikum. I’ve been dealing with really heavy sadness and constant worry for a long time. I think maybe all the stuff I watch online is making it worse. I got hooked on TV shows and movies, using them to run away from tough emotions, and I ended up obsessed with one drama for a whole year. I saw so many posts and videos that made me believe any criticism from parents was abuse. I filled my mind with content about being a victim of emotional abuse, and I started only noticing the ways I felt wronged, totally ignoring how much my parents actually love and support me. They’re not perfect, but I wasted so much time being disrespectful sometimes and bottling everything up, like a child. I just can’t seem to connect with people around me, and I don’t get why. I’m really quiet, and everyone thought that was just my personality, but it was because I never shared what was inside. I need to own my emotions and stop blaming everything on outside things and people. Lately, there’s a gap between my mother and me. I want so badly to fix it, but I don’t know what to say. I’ve always been close to her, but it was unhealthy-I lost myself in trying to always please her and avoid conflict. I gave up my own identity for the sake of keeping peace and fearing rejection. I feel so disconnected from Allah. My mind and heart are stuck in made-up worlds, movies, shows, music. I tried quitting all of it at once, and it feels like emotional torture. I need my heart to turn back to Allah, and I’m desperate to beat this sadness for my mother’s sake, so I can be a positive presence around her. I’m terrified. I have no clue who I am anymore. I completely lost myself by not taking care of my own needs. I really want to know how to heal. Alhamdulillah, for the past month I’ve been consistent with Quran and dhikr, but this depression is crushing me. I guess I’m just asking: it will get better, won’t it? I really need someone to tell me that right now. I’m not good at expressing my feelings, so I hope this makes sense.

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sister
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Ugh, I've been there with the shows. They mess with your real life so bad. What helped me was replacing one episode with a short Islamic lecture. Slow steps, ya ukhti.

sister
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Whoa, I could have written this. Especially losing myself in pleasing others. Remember, your worth is with Allah, not people. For your mom, just hug her. Silent love sometimes says everything.

sister
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I remember when I quit music cold turkey, it felt like withdrawal. Literally. Your brain is rewiring. Replace it with nasheed or Quran recitation even as background. It gets easier.

sister
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This is so real. Parents aren't perfect, but the media makes us see evil everywhere. Maybe write a letter to your mom? Speaking is hard, but writing can melt hearts. Praying for you.

sister
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Sister, your self-awareness is a gift from Allah. Don't underestimate that. The numbness will pass. Keep making dua in sujood, even if you feel nothing. Fake it till you make it, but with iman.

sister
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This made me tear up. I went through the same thing with my mom. Sometimes just sitting with her and saying 'I'm sorry I've been distant' opens doors. May Allah soften both your hearts.

sister
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You're already healing by admitting this. Shaitan loves isolation and overthinking. Try one small sunnah at a time, it helps. And yes, it WILL get better, in sha Allah. Hold on.

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