Is Depression a Test from Allah? | Islam & Mental Health | Sh. Ammar Alshukry & Ust. Sarah Sultan

Video Description

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