Being Moslem and Having Depression (EN)

Talking about mental health, depression and anxiety is still considered taboo in Indonesia, especially in Muslim family. Society feel ashamed to family member who have symptom of depression or such a thing. When someone said they had depression, You will hear these kind of judging conversation that 'You are far from god, you had less pray, you are being ungrateful, there are more people in worse situation than you, you are in tested', or in an extreme way they will drag you to get a ruqyah (a typical Islam exorcism to expel jinn from the body). Because they think that a negative energy is coming from jinn or Satan. Depression means Satan and something like that. But actually, all they need are someone to talk, comforting and makes them relaxed and tell them, that everything will be okay. It is better to ask questions that will encourage the person to share their thoughts. Listen carefully without judging, and acknowledge the pain that they may be experiencing.

These young generation unwilling to express their feeling and under pressure because they had no enough courage to talk to their families. It will be better if they had at least one friend who understand and support them, but how if they don't have any one? It can bring to self-harming or even suicide attempt. In Islam 'People who commit suicide will live in hell forever'. Actually, people who are suicidal have reached the point where they are desperate to end their suffering, when people in mental breakdown they won't be able to think clearly and control their mind.

So, rather than judging people not religious enough for being struggle with their mental health is better to come up to be friend talk, help them with their insecurity or recommend for seeking a professional psychology and else.
Because, If you think mental wellness was directly proportional with religiosity then there won't be any religious person would struggle with their mental health.

In fact there are many religious people I've met struggle with it. I just want to people know that the cultural dogma about depression as a family stain is not true and this kind of issue is an okay to talk. I also can not say that it will make them feel 100% cure. But based on my experience it feels better since I have a courage to reach people and share them my contemplation.

My mom is the most one i am afraid of to tell about this kind of issue, But I finally did it, and She told me ‘Everything will be okay, It needs time’, This short sentence maybe too simple but actually send me a full power and give me a lot of strength to live better.

If you feel ashamed and don't have anyone to talk I am ready to be your listener. Speak Up! You will be okay too.

Remember Ladies and Boys... You are amazing, this is just a chapter of your life. You will be able to through this phase, You will be a better and stronger person. Hold on there! If you feel tired, rest for a while and continue to life tomorrow.