Can depression be a test from Allah, or is it a sign of weak faith? In this episode of the AlMaghrib Podcast, Sh. Ammar Alshukry sits down with Ustadha Sarah Sultan, a licensed mental health counselor, to discuss Islam’s perspective on depression, seasonal affective disorder, loneliness, and the stigma around mental health in the Muslim community.
Together, they explore:
→ How to understand depression as both a clinical condition and a spiritual test
→ Practical tools for coping with seasonal depression and loneliness
→ The role of gratitude, community, and faith in healing
→ When to seek professional help and why doing so can be an act of worship
This is an honest, much-needed conversation at the intersection of Islam and psychology, designed to give hope and clarity to anyone struggling or supporting a loved one.
If you found this episode beneficial, subscribe for more deep dives on faith, wellness, and the challenges facing Muslims today.
#IslamAndMentalHealth #DepressionInIslam #AlMaghribPodcast
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
01:18 – What is Seasonal Depression
05:46 – Recognizing Seasonal Depression Symptoms
07:52 – How to Combat Seasonal Depression Effectively
09:18 – The Cycle of Loneliness and Depression
10:38 – Strategies to Overcome Loneliness
16:20 – Are Men More Lonely Than Women?
25:25 – Insights from Therapy Sessions
27:25 – The Impact of the Phone Generation
28:06 – Navigating Discomfort in the Western Experience
29:35 – Building Resilience in Tough Times
33:00 – When to Seek Professional Help for Mental Health
37:00 – The Role of Gratitude in Hardship
38:08 – Practicing Gratitude Daily
44:05 – Why Discomfort is Beneficial
48:37 – Parenting Classes: Do They Help?
51:00 – Creating a Supportive Community
55:15 – Balancing Parenting: Being Overbearing vs. Supportive
56:34 – The Importance of Human Connection
58:33 – Final Thoughts on Mental Health
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