Home
Discover Islam
Quran Recitations
Lectures
Fatwa
Articles
Fiqh
E-Books
Women
Boys & Girls 
Articles
Question:
Assalaamu Alaykum,
I am a married woman and I have four children. Twenty days ago, I started suffering from insomnia and continuous lack of sleep. I did not feel tired; however, I have started to suffer from physical tiredness and nervous tension. I no longer find any pleasure in prayer or in any other act of worship. I even think of discontinuing fasting, since I feel tired, tense and a rise in my blood pressure.
I am the only one responsible for my children and I fear that I would surrender to this tiredness, which could afflict me with insanity or a nervous breakdown.
Would you please tell me about the ideal solution for this problem? I had this experience two years ago and I managed to overcome it. What is the reason behind the recurrence of this state now, so suddenly and strongly?
Would you please reply as soon as you can because your advice is urgently needed. What is the proper food and drink in this case, particularly since I have been on a diet for five months now?
May Allah reward you.
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Ever Merciful
Dear sister, Assalaamu ‘Alaykum,
This episode which you are experiencing for the second time reveals that you suffer mood swings, according to the most likely diagnosis, which is a mood disorder or a minor form of depression. The initial period of activity might be the other side of an emotional disorder like hyperactivity.
We believe that such episodes will stop naturally and may not require any medication at this stage. However, if the mood swings are continuous and difficult to regulate, it is preferable to have some medication which keeps the mood stable.
There are some medicines which keep the mood stable, which should be taken only after consulting a medical practitioner.
Dear sister, you should thank Allah The Almighty because you have the ability to look after your family and children. This is an excellent praiseworthy matter. With the Permission of Allah The Almighty, it will contribute to improving your state.
I advise you to think positively and utilize Ramadan, which is a season of goodness. I was very upset when you said you had found it difficult to continue fasting. There is no doubt that one is not charged beyond his capacity, since Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {So fear Allah as much as you are able.} [Quran 64: 16] However, you have enough strength and motivation to overcome this state. You should have the habit of wearing the garment of faith and belief, for it is the greatest-ever motivating factor, particularly because you live in these remote countries. I know that there are many Muslims there (in Canada) adhering to the Islamic belief, which motivates one to be positive and safeguards one from any evil. This is my advice to you.
As for eating, drinking and the different types of food, there is no specific food for cases like yours. However, you should have balanced meals in terms of the known nutritional ingredients. You can enjoy any lawful and good food. No certain food is forbidden in this case.
As for following a strict diet, this should be performed wisely. It is a good thing that one enjoys a healthy weight, but people should not be harsh with themselves. When there is determination and a target goal, you can easily reach the proper weight within a specific time. Most foods that contribute to reducing weight, as prescribed by specialists, are healthy and contain the most important elements of a balanced diet.
This is my advice to you and I ask Allah The Almighty to grant you success. I wish that you continue to observe fasting, for the month of Ramadan is a great season for goodness. I ask Allah The Almighty to grant you the ability to do that.
May Allah grant us success.
