While we may never know the intricacies of Robin William's life, we can use his passing as recognition that depression can affect us all. Depression does not discriminate, nor can the symptoms of depression be dismissed. Within the Muslim community, depression is often considered a taboo topic, and one that is believed to only arise from a lack of religious connectivity. Those suffering from depression are stigmatized and told, that there is "no such thing as depression in Islam," or that "it's just a phase that will go away with prayer and recitation of the Holy Qur'an."
Depression is real, whether you're Muslim or not because it doesn't always have to do with faith. Just like we seek a doctor's help when our bodies are injured, so too do we need to seek help when we can't seem to think clearly and it affects our emotional state. We need to help those who struggle realize that these very difficulties that bring us to our knees, also raise us to great heights, and that there is help to ease their suffering.
Depression is often associated with fatigue, lack of enjoyment, feelings of worthlessness and pessimism. These feelings encroach on the very mundane tasks and decisions of daily life. For those suffering from depression, stigma from the community can tear down any willingness to reach out for help. It often leads those suffering to feel alone, even in an entire room of people, and feel entirely at fault. Robin Williams said it best: "I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in life is ending up with people who make you feel all alone."
Feeling alone has powerful negative impact. It was powerful enough for Robin Williams to have committed suicide. At UMF Teen Portal we are here to show you that you are not alone. Over the last year since it's birth, UMF Teen Portal has made an impact on youth around the globe - From the USA to Indonesia and Iraq to Egypt . UMF helps teens on issues from school to family and relationships. One pre-teen recognized it was a sin to commit suicide, and looked to UMF TeenPortal for guidance on how to stop these thoughts. A youth shared her troubles with a hurtful friend and was guided to use this trial as an opportunity to become closer to her Lord. Yet another was guided on maintaining strength as she considered removing her hijab. UMF has been counseling teens worldwide, making ourselves available online for teens to post anonymously, for free, to receive help within 24hrs or less.
United Muslim Foundation believes in putting the guidance of Allah (SWT) into practice and offers UMF Teen Portal as a vehicle for such guidance. In addition to articles, videos, tutorials and games, our virtual mosque offers free counseling service for youths. Our volunteer trained counselors provide practical examples of Muslim youth who have overcome challenges and frame Qur'an, Hadith and Islamic history into guidance for teen specific needs. The Holy Qur'an says: O people, enlightenment has come to you herein from your Lord, and healing for anything that troubles your hearts, and guidance, and mercy for the believers" (10:57) It is with this beautiful verse of Qur'an, that we invite you to use and share our services.
UMF Teen Portal needs your support to reach out to even more who are suffering with depression and who benefit from counseling with daily struggles.
