Dear Depression – A Unique Spoken Word Piece

This spoken word piece follows a conversation between two friends, whereby one of them is trying to assist the other to overcome his feelings of depression and sadness. So often we come across people who are struggling in life and we are at a loss of words on how to respond or how to be of assistance. The piece aims to not only explain why some of us go through struggles but also aims to break down several misconceptions we may have about depression and sadness. For instance, many people often have mistaken hardship as a reflection of God’s anger for a person, yet this disregards the fact that Allah indeed tests those that He loves. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Nevertheless, the piece also sets to remind those suffering to seek help in times of need, whether it be via reaching out to health professionals (for those that are suffering medically) or surrounding yourself with supportive figures from friends, family and spiritual mentors. “So don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Don’t be ashamed to look out for your health.” Of course, this poem is also addressed to those who know people that are suffering, to constantly ask about their well being and to visit them in times of need. This is a quality which was emphasised by the Prophet ﷺ himself in many narrations.

“There is no believer who consoles his brother at the time of a calamity but that Allah the Exalted will clothe him with noble garments on the Day of Resurrection.” Sunan Ibn Majah (Hasan)

Imam Ali also narrates that: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say:

‘Whoever comes to his Muslim brother and visits him (when he is sick), he is walking among the harvest of Paradise until he sits down, and when he sits down he is covered with mercy. If it is morning, seventy thousand angels will send blessing upon him until evening, and if it is evening, seventy thousand angels will send blessing upon him until morning.’” Sunan Ibn Majah (Hasan) There are many more concepts that the video touches up on, however we should let the video speak for itself. Have a watch and let us know what you think in the comments.

The lyrics for the poem are as follows:

Truth is my life is a mess I’m sad and upset Sick and depressed I got stress on my chest Man I’m sinking in debt My relationships wrecked And It’s breaking my neck   And I can’t find a job Man I got nothing left Asked me how I was Man I wish I was dead.   I’m upset I’m upset. Man I’m upset   Woah Brother just breathe man lift up your head. I understand what you mean – but don’t you forget this life is a test. That’s what Allah said He made life and death To test who was best in deeds. I mean what’d you expect For it to be ease for it to be rest. For us to just leave for us to be left, To say that we believe without any tests? Nah. Of course it gets hard As tests become large But as hard as it gets It doesn’t last.   Brother I understand what you’re saying I just don’t have the patience I’m tired and anxious I swear I can’t take this   I can feel myself breaking I don’t know if God hates me Because that’s what they say to me   I’m stressed and depressed coz apparently I’m low in Iman? Or it is as though I’m not reading the Quran. Man I’m trying my best I’m just sick of it man. I don’t know why it’s happening to me I just don’t understand.   Brother you just keep the doing the best that you can. And whatever happens it happens it’s all in God’s plan. Just put your trust in Allah it’s all in His hands. And ignore what they say coz they misunderstand.   See Allah will test those that He loves, Just look at the best of the best, the Messenger of Allah He had it so tough, he had it so rough, man he he had it so hard Yet despite all this, he was the most beloved.   Brother I’m trying to believe But I’m torn and I’m weak See at night I can’t sleep From all my worry and grief It’s brought me to my knees   Then in that case you’re in the best place you can possibly be To call upon your Lord in need For verily in the remembrance of God hearts finds relief   Brother please, I’m sorry you don’t know my story you don’t know where I’ve been   Yeah – but I know that surely after every hardship comes ease. Surely after every hardship comes ease.   So don’t lose hope and don’t you ever despair. And no matter how hard it gets, Allah will never burden your soul more than it can bear. I’m only saying this because I love you, Wallahi I swear.   Thank you my brother it’s good to have someone there, To have somebody by my side who actually cares. So I thank you for listening, Just please keep on visiting. I’m sorry if I was bickering I know have flaws. I just need your support   Brother this is exactly what Muslims are for. This is what the Prophet ﷺ he taught. So don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Don’t be ashamed to look out for your health. And know that in order to change it starts with yourself. May Allah make it easy for you and everyone else.

  May Allah grant relief to all those who are suffering from feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety.