Feeling stuck

Assalamualaikum my dear Sister 

I’m deeply sorry you’re feeling this way and for the struggles you’re enduring. Your feelings are valid, and your pain is acknowledged. In Islam, mental health challenges are not a reflection of Allah withholding blessings or weak faith. Allah sees your efforts and struggles, even when it feels like nothing is changing.

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean Allah has abandoned you. Sometimes, delays and setbacks are Allah’s way of protecting you or preparing you for greater blessings.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) experienced moments of intense grief and sadness, especially during the Year of Sorrow, when he lost Khadijah (RA) and Abu Talib. He even sought seclusion in the cave of Hira to reflect and recharge. This shows that taking a step back and acknowledging your pain is part of the healing process.

The video you watched presented a perspective that might not align with your current reality. While the message of “abundance” and “mindset” can be empowering, it fails to acknowledge the barriers people with mental health challenges face. Islam recognizes that everyone’s journey is unique, and not everyone can act with the same level of energy or freedom. Allah judges you based on your intentions and efforts, not just your outcomes. Abundance in Islam doesn’t always mean material success or visible achievements. It’s about barakah (blessing) in what you have.

Your abundance could manifest in your perseverance, your growing connection to Allah, or the wisdom you’re gaining through your struggles. You don’t have to achieve at the same pace as others to be valuable. Your strength right now lies in your resilience and faith despite
hardships. Rizq is not just wealth or success; it includes health, time, emotional strength, and peace of mind. The idea that abundance is accessible doesn’t mean it’s devoid of effort or free from hardship. Struggling doesn’t negate your worthiness. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) experienced immense trials, including hunger, loss, and rejection. These moments of hardship are opportunities to draw closer to Allah, even when it feels impossible to see His wisdom.

When everything feels daunting, break your goals into tiny, manageable steps. You don’t need to conquer everything at once.


Seeking medical help, including medication, is part of trusting Allah’s plan to take the means He has provided. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it.” (Bukhari)


Push through the system to get the support you need. Ask someone you trust to help with paperwork or referrals if it feels too overwhelming.Your mental health struggles, especially with debilitating social anxiety, require a multi-faceted approach.Continue pursuing medication and consider counseling. It’s an aid, not a crutch. Remember, Allah is the Healer (Ash-Shafi), and medication is one of His tools. 
Social anxiety makes large tasks seem difficult. Break tasks into smaller, achievable goals. For example:
Instead of focusing on completing an entire physics course, focus on attending the first group session and simply observing.Celebrate every step you take, no matter how small. If you attend a lab or make small talk, acknowledge that effort.Write down your thoughts daily. Address Allah in your journal as if you’re writing a letter to Him. This helps you process emotions and strengthens your connection with Him.


When overwhelmed, simplify your worship to what feels manageable:Pray just two rakahs when you feel ready.
Repeat small duas like” Hasbiyallahu La Ilaha Illa Huwa Alayhi Tawakkaltu Wa Huwa Rabbul Arshil Azeem”(Qur’an9:129).These actions invite barakah (blessings) into your life, even during tough times.Regularly recite or listen to Surah Ad-Duha (93), which reassures that Allah has not forsaken you. Engage in dhikr, even if it’s as simple as repeating”La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah.” It’s a reminder that strength comes from Allah only. Practice speaking to yourself as you would to a close friend. When self-criticism arises, challenge it with kindness: “I’m doing my best under very difficult circumstances. My effort matters. ”Reflect on verses that emphasize ease after hardship, like: “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” (Qur’an 94:6)


Look for spaces where you can connect with Muslims who understand mental health struggles. Many masajid and organizations now have mental health resources or support groups. You don’t have to face this alone. Pour your heart out to Allah as Prophet Yaqub (AS) did:
“I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.” (Qur’an 12:86)


Your anger, frustration, and questions are safe with Him. He knows your pain better than anyone. Pour your thoughts, frustrations, and prayers into a letter. End the letter with a small request for ease and guidance. Repeatedly say:
“Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilayh” (I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him).Istighfar opens doors to blessings and solutions, even when you feel stuck. It’s not about guilt—it’s about seeking Allah’s help.


Even if it’s just two rakahs, wake up in the last third of the night and ask Allah for ease. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains, and He says: ‘Who will call upon Me so that I may answer him? Who will ask of Me so that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?’” (Bukhari, Muslim)The


Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “There is no fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Every moment of pain is a form of purification, and your endurance is seen and rewarded by Allah.Even in times of frustration, keep your connection with Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to make specific duas during hardship, such as:


“O Allah, there is no ease except what You make easy, and You make the difficult easy if it be Your Will.”
It’s natural to feel envious of others’ ease, but comparison can deepen pain. Allah’s blessings manifest differently for everyone. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:”Look at those below you (in worldly matters), not those above you, as it will make you appreciate Allah’s favor on you.” (Muslim).


Your feeling of being mocked by life or by Allah is deeply tied to the overwhelming nature of your challenges. Islam acknowledges this feeling but reminds us that hardship is not punishment or mockery—it’s a test. Sometimes, we only understand its wisdom in hindsight.Your current struggles do not define your worth in Allah’s eyes. The doors of abundance and ease can still open for you, even if it feels delayed.

Tests are not a sign of disfavor; they’re an opportunity for growth. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure alone—reaching out for help is part of passing the test.Allah describes Himself as Al-Wadud (The Most Loving). His tests are not meant to break you but to bring you closer to Him. The fact that you’re still turning to Him and seeking solutions shows your deep connection to your Creator.It’s essential to understand that Allah’s plan is often beyond our immediate comprehension. What seems like a delay or setback may be paving the way for growth, resilience, or greater rewards later.

Feeling angry or confused about Allah’s will is natural at times. Even prophets experienced deep anguish. For example, Prophet Ya’qub(AS) grieved for years over losing his son, and Prophet Yunus (AS) despaired in the belly of the whale.
In such moments, they turned to Allah in their vulnerability, expressing their emotions honestly while seeking His help. You can, too.Islam emphasizes action alongside trust in Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:”Tie your camel and then trust in Allah.”

Seeking medication, therapy, or other interventions doesn’t negate faith. Instead, it aligns with the principle of taking means while relying on Allah to bless your efforts.

Progress in mental health is often non-linear. The fact that you attended school, joined classes, and engaged socially in 2023 is a testament to your determination, even if it didn’t yield immediate results. Growth is happening, even if it’s not visible yet.It’s natural to mourn the opportunities you feel you’ve lost. However, it’s essential to remind yourself that healing and success are not bound by age or timeline. Many people find their footing later in life, including those who’ve faced significant setbacks.
Acknowledge the grief but gently remind yourself that your journey is unique. You are not behind; you are where you’re meant to be, even if it’s hard to accept right now.


You are not broken or unworthy. Your struggles are real, and the barriers you face don’t diminish your value or potential. Healing takes time, and it’s okay to feel stuck while working toward change. Trust that Allah’s mercy encompasses you, even when it’s hard to see.Keep advocating for yourself, even if it feels exhausting. You’ve already shown immense strength by continuing to try. With the right support, whether through medication, therapy, or both, things can get better. Remember, Allah is closer to you than your jugular vein (Qur’an 50:16), and He sees the effort you’re putting in, even when the results feel distant.


Finally, know this: Allah’s delays are not denials. You are navigating immense challenges, and your efforts are seen, recorded, and rewarded by Allah. Every dua you make, every attempt to better yourself, and every tear you shed are known to Him.


Warm regards,

Your Sister in Islam 

Fatima “MV”

Salaam dear sister,

It sounds like your heart is carrying a lot of heavy burdens and you are facing many internal battles that are weighing you down. Social anxiety can feel extremely debilitating, and it is one tough thing to face but I want you to know that you’re not alone.

You mention many times throughout your post that you keep trying to take steps but feel stuck and that you are not making any progress. I think sometimes we underestimate the progress that we do make because at first glance it doesn’t seem to match up with what we think is progress. Our personal growth is like a seed, it needs time to blossom and not every seed is the same. Not too long ago I grew a tomato plant and when I cared for it, day after day, not every tomato blossomed at the same time, even though each one was getting the water and light. It required time and patience on my end, and I think our lives in this world reflect this. Some people seem to have it all from the get-go while others tread slowly and there are many in between. That is one of the beauties of this life that not all of us are in the exact same place. The fact that you decided to reach out to this site shows me that you are trying to take your path to healing seriously, I find that beautiful.

I would be cautious with some of the young Muslim influencers as I find some things tend to be emphasized that are not necessarily in line with Quranic teachings. Of course, it is important to set the right intention and continue to pray to Allah and not lose hope but that doesn’t mean that everything you want will come your way. It is difficult to hear, even for myself, but not everything we want will be the best thing for us.

I read in your post a few times that you feel that Allah is limiting you, but I can assure you that even though it may feel that way, it isn’t true. Allah Knows what is in your heart before you are even made aware of it. He sees you when you’re trying to take that step and make small talk with the classmate beside you or when you decided to join in on a group project. One of my favourite ayahs that I find so much hope in is when Allah tells us, “…Whatever good you do, you will find it with Allah…” (2:110). It goes back to my earlier point that yes, you may still be in the storm’s eye when it comes to all of your difficulties but any step that you take to relieve yourself of some of the hardship doesn’t go unnoticed. All we have, my sweet sister, is our efforts in this life, and don’t think that your efforts are going unnoticed.

When the difficulty becomes too overwhelming, try taking a step back and work on forming small goals. Instead of jumping right in and joining a group project (which may be too much at once) try a smaller and more manageable goal like saying good morning to a classmate or maybe just giving a smile. You know best what you will be able to find manageable. The best thing is to start small, maintain consistency and to not be discouraged. Once you gain more confidence then you can build up. You wouldn’t just jump to swim in the deep end if you struggle in the shallow end.

I pray that this helps you and that through time you are able to blossom into a healthy and happy young woman. May Allah make it easy for you and greatly reward you for all of the challenges you are facing.

All the best,

Your Sister in Faith

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