Seeking Brothers' Support - Feeling Isolated and Struggling
As-salamu alaykum brothers, I’ll keep this simple. Lately I’ve been feeling really isolated. I’ve started going back to the masjid after a two-year break, but I’m still struggling to connect with people there. I also worry about privacy and being recognized, so I don’t feel comfortable opening up. Therapy feels out of reach financially and sometimes like they don’t have enough time to really listen. What I’m looking for is someone to empathize and lend an ear - then, if you can, offer gentle, practical advice to help me cope. Please, I’m asking for kindness and understanding. I don’t want judgmental comments like “Why did you stop going to the masjid?” or “This isn’t the place for that” or just being told to get professional help and nothing more. I know we should seek professional help when needed, but right now I need brotherly support and empathy first. Isn’t our deen about showing compassion and helping one another? Pushing someone away when they’re struggling doesn’t feel right. I turn to Allah Azza wa Jall for help, and I also believe the Qur’an and Sunnah encourage us to consult and support fellow believers in hardship. So I humbly ask my brothers: please share your advice, your duas, or just listen. May Allah reward you with goodness in this life and the next. Ameen.