🕊️ Conflict & resolution · #51
My spouse seems depressed, withdrawn and uninterested in everything. How can I help without quarrelling?
See it as a possible illness, not laziness or weak faith; talk gently and encourage seeing a doctor or counsellor.
Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity (al-Baqarah 2:286), and the Prophet ﷺ himself went through a year of sorrow and was supported by Khadija r.a. Signs of depression include lasting sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feeling worthless or thoughts of death. How to help: listen without lecturing; avoid lines like "just strengthen your faith"; offer to go with them to a health clinic or doctor; lighten their household load for a while; and look after yourself too. Depression can be treated with counselling and medication. If there is any mention of suicide, get help at once. See Mental health.
Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity (al-Baqarah 2:286), and the Prophet ﷺ himself went through a year of sorrow and was supported by Khadija r.a. Signs of depression include lasting sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, feeling worthless or thoughts of death. How to help: listen without lecturing; avoid lines like "just strengthen your faith"; offer to go with them to a health clinic or doctor; lighten their household load for a while; and look after yourself too. Depression can be treated with counselling and medication. If there is any mention of suicide, get help at once. See Mental health.
Sources
Surah al-Baqarah 2:286Surah ar-Ra'd 13:28Surah at-Taghabun 64:16