Mental health

Six Steps to Overcoming Depression

It is often said that learning from the experiences and wisdom of others is one of the most helpful ways to heal and grow. That is why I am sharing my journey with you, hoping it will support you with love.

Before I share my recovery journey, I want to emphasize that we are all unique in our experiences and circumstances, especially when it comes to our mental health and the ways we heal from psychological struggles. I am writing about my personal experience because I genuinely hope this article will inspire and assist you if you are struggling with depression or if you know someone close to you who is going through it. I also ask you to take your time reading this story, as I have intentionally included details that many people with depression can relate to. Many who have learned about my struggle with depression have asked me to explain my healing journey, so here I am, writing it for you with love, hoping that everyone suffering finds healing.

The First Step: Acceptance

Accepting that I was suffering from depression was not an easy or straightforward process. For nearly three months, I lived in denial, rejection, and disbelief. When someone is used to being active, productive, successful, and a leader, they find it hard to accept the idea of defeat, weakness, or helplessness. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding mental illness often equates it with madness, making people with depression feel ashamed. Even worse, some accuse those struggling with depression of being distant from God, urging them to "return to faith" and blaming them directly for their suffering. This only adds to the guilt they already feel.

However, acceptance came when I realized that denying my condition was not helping me escape it. I asked myself: What do I have to lose by accepting this illness? and How could acceptance help me heal? Let me share a secret: I could not accept my condition until I changed the way I asked myself questions. Somehow—through what I believe was divine grace—I began shifting my questions from self-blame and punishment to questions that encouraged me to seek solutions.

Instead of asking, Why is life so unfair? or Why do people mistreat me? or Why do they pity me instead of understanding me?—questions that only made me feel worse—I started asking, What lesson does God want me to learn from this? This shift in perspective became the turning point for my acceptance. My goal was no longer to dwell on the illness but to find meaning in it, which gave me the motivation to get out of bed.

The Second Step: Observing Myself to Help Myself

One of the most valuable exercises my therapist gave me was to observe myself and my emotional state. I started noticing what triggered my distress. For example, I received hateful messages from people demanding their money back—some were insults, others were threats. Some even went as far as reporting me to court officials and spying on my bank account, believing I was a fraud. Though I could have filed legal complaints against them, my priority was to protect my peace rather than engage in battles.

These people were not just strangers; they were once close to me. A single message from them could leave me paralyzed, unable to move. Their words, accusations, and lack of understanding were like poison, draining the life out of me. If not for God's mercy, I might not have survived.

That was when I decided to completely disconnect—I turned off my phone and avoided anyone who did not respect me. This was not the right time to face them or respond. My self-observation led me to make firm decisions, like cutting off anything that harmed me.

This detachment also helped me rediscover things that made me happy, like drawing. I began practicing mindfulness before sketching, which brought a sense of lightness to my soul.

The Third Step: Surrounding Myself with Supportive People

I was incredibly blessed to have a family that was understanding, accepting, and well-informed about mental health. Their support meant they never judged my mood swings or outbursts. They treated me with patience and without making me feel different or burdensome.

I urge you to seek help from those close to you—your parents, siblings, or trusted friends. Be honest with them. Explain that your withdrawal, silence, excessive sleep, or anger are not choices but symptoms of a struggle beyond your control. Ask them to be patient and understanding. Their acceptance will prevent you from feeling guilty for how your condition affects them.

The Fourth Step: Rebuilding Self-Worth

One of the worst aspects of depression is the decline in self-worth due to overwhelming negative thoughts, guilt, and sadness—forming a destructive cycle. I knew I had to regain control over how I saw myself.

However, simply telling myself, I am sick, and that is okay, was not enough. I needed real, tangible proof that I was valuable.

So, I asked myself: What would make me feel better? I discovered that helping others with kind words brought me joy.

I realized that the best way to rebuild self-worth is by strengthening my connection with God. I spent more time in prayer, engaged in deep conversations with Him, and sought His guidance through reflection and Quran recitation. This brought me peace and clarity.

As a result, people started reaching out to me for advice, and miraculously, I always seemed to have the right words to help them. Knowing that others trusted me enough to seek my support strengthened my belief in myself. After all, people only lean on those they believe are strong enough to hold them up. This renewed sense of purpose reshaped my outlook on life and restored my self-worth.

The Fifth Step: Healing from Medication

After nearly two and a half years of relying on medication and struggling with its side effects, I consulted my doctors and decided to stop taking it. With their guidance, I was able to discontinue my medication within two weeks, by the grace of God.

The Sixth Step: Expressing Gratitude for My Recovery

This is the stage I am living now. I feel deep gratitude toward God, who was my greatest support throughout this journey. He guided me to the right answers and opened doors when I saw none.

That is why I have chosen to share my story—to help others heal. Raising awareness about depression and supporting those who suffer from it is my way of expressing thanks. Writing this article is one way of fulfilling my commitment to gratitude.

I will never be ashamed of admitting that I had depression. It is an illness like any other, a test that requires patience, acceptance, and gratitude. With faith and perseverance, we can overcome it and emerge victorious.