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

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