Depression is not to be thought weakness of faith, standing beside the sufferer is the duty
Photo: Collected
Family discord, economic crisis, failure at work and anxiety about the future constantly create mental unrest in people’s lives. Yet, alongside physical health, caring for mental health is equally essential. Islam has given very beautiful guidance for attaining mental peace and steadiness.
It is said in the Holy Quran, ‘Know that it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find peace.’ (Sura Ra’d: 28)
Performing prayers according to the rules, reciting the Quran, masnun supplications and zikr bring unalloyed peace to a believer’s mind in daily life. There is also guidance in the Quran to hold patience rather than fall into despair in any crisis or difficult situation: ‘Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.’ (Sura Baqara: 153)
Therefore, alongside holding patience in trouble, one must also continue trying for a solution as far as possible in accordance with Islamic principles.
It is the duty of the family and of society to show deep empathy and sympathy towards people in mental distress. Someone who has broken down mentally must be listened to attentively and calmly, and must be helped, as needed, to turn to a doctor.
It needs to be remembered that regarding mental problems or depression merely as ‘weakness of faith’ is not at all correct. Alongside following religious precepts, taking proper medical care and therapy is in accordance with the sunnah and is necessary.
Let our social commitment be this — not to neglect anyone in mental distress but to stand beside them, to change our outlook and to build an environment of empathy.
The numbers
How widespread the tendency to remain outside treatment is has also emerged in a state survey. According to the National Mental Health Survey 2019, 16.8 per cent of adults over the age of 18 in the country had mental health problems, and among those aged 7 to 17 this rate was 13.6 per cent — Prothom Alo provided this information on 13 October 2026.
According to the information in the same survey, 92.3 per cent of affected adults and 94.5 per cent of affected children and adolescents did not take any kind of treatment — Prothom Alo provided this information on 13 October 2026.
Sources
Background source: Prothom Alo, 13 October 2026
