Why Allah has made me sick? A reminder why our illness is a blessing.

As Salaamu Alikam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatu,

Insha Allah you are all well and have been enjoying our facebook page here, we have a youtube page as well here which we will be uploading more videos Insha Allah.

For many of us diagnosed or not formally diagnosed with mental illness/es we may question why Allah subhana wa ta'ala has put this illness on us.
Some questions or thoughts we may have could be as follows:

•  Did we anger Allah subhana wa ta'ala?
•  Why me?
•  What did I do for this punishment?
• Is this punishment for my sins?
• Why would Allah subhana wa ta'ala curse me with this
• This is a curse
  and possibly many other thoughts/questions
  
  If we talk to other muslims about our concerns as above, many tell us to not question Islam/Allah or to just deal with it/ get over it.
  Unfortunately this is a simple answer and doesn't really work in day to day things.
  We are allowed to ask questions in Islam as long as we do not overstep and fall into things that could put us in the danger zones like shirk, bidáh or kufr.
  Allah subhana wa ta'ala has His reasons for the things He has done to us, whether it is a internal thing (body/mind) or external (surroundings/work/home/finance etc). He doesn't always let us know why He has decided to do something, but sometimes He does let us know. Not from a one on one conversation but by experiences and things falling into place, duás being answered or not answered and so on.
  
  
  Alhamdillah illness is a huge blessing, it may not feel like it sometimes but it has so many rewards to be sick for the rest of your life or when Allah subhana wa ta'ala decides to cure you (whether in this world or in the hereafter).
  Do not worry if you haven't reached the point in your mental health journey where you can be appreciative of your illness, it does take time and that is okay.
  
  We can see that illnesses are a blessing in many aspects of our religion.
  
  Stated in Hadith Bukhari 7:564;
  
  I visited Allah's Apostle while he was suffering from a high fever. I touched him with my hand and said, "O Allah's Apostle! You have a high fever." Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, I have as much fever as two men of you have." I said, "Is it because you will get a double reward?" Allah's Apostle said, "Yes, no Muslim is afflicted with harm because of sickness or some other inconvenience, but that Allah will remove his sins for him as a tree sheds its leaves."
  
  When Allah subhana wa ta'ala placed upon the Prophet Muhammad sallahu alayhi wa salaam, he reminds us in this Hadith that sickness is a blessing. Allah subhana wa ta'ala removes our sins just like a tree sheds its leaves, just because we are sick!
  Now imagine having a chronic illness like what we have, Allah subhana wa ta'ala is constantly shedding our sins when we experience different parts of our illness/es.
  Whether it is mania, depression, a neutral point with some difficulties and more.
  How lucky are we in that aspect of our religion? Being constantly forgiven of sins while we are sick.
  
  As we continue to look at Hadith we see more and more how trials, sickness and disease is a form of blessing by our Lord.
  
  Stated in Hadith Bukhari 70:548;
  Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials." 
  
  Alhamdillah! When our Lord wants to do good for us, he afflicts us with trials and the experience of mental illness/es is a trial which can be bumpy.
  
  Hadith Bukhari 70:555;
  Narrated 'Ata bin Abi Rabah: Ibn 'Abbas said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allah for me.' The Prophet said (to her), 'If you wish, be patient and you will have (enter) Paradise; and if you wish, I will invoke Allah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allah for her." 
  
  Even though her personal journey meant experiencing seizures (which can happen with some mental illnesses/other sicknesses also) she was give Jannah if she had sabr. If we continue to have sabr then insha allah we can enter Jannah too just by being trialed with mental illness/es.
  
  We may never know the exact reasons for being afflicted with mental illness/es during our journey in this world, but we can know we are taken care of by Allah subhana wa ta'ala and he is blessing us during our trials if we have sabr and we make duá to Him.
  
  As long as we continue to learn about our condition, find ways to cope so we are in a sane state and continue our ibaadah as best as we can at the current time were in then insha allah we can get closer to our Lord and He blesses us to enter Jannah through the cleansing of our sins via our illnesses or other means of entering Jannah.
  
  May Allah subhana wa ta'ala make it easy for us all and keep each other in our duás.
  
  Sister
  Ayisha
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious mental illness marked by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships. In 1980, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III) listed BPD as a diagnosable illness for the first time. Most psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use the DSM to diagnose mental illnesses.
Because some people with severe BPD have brief psychotic episodes, experts originally thought of this illness as atypical, or borderline, versions of other mental disorders. While mental health experts now generally agree that the name "borderline personality disorder" is misleading, a more accurate term does not exist yet.
Most people who have BPD suffer from:

• Problems with regulating emotions and thoughts
• Impulsive and reckless behavior
• Unstable relationships with other people.

People with this disorder also have high rates of co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and eating disorders, along with self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and completed suicides.

Causes

Research on the possible causes and risk factors for BPD is still at a very early stage. However, scientists generally agree that genetic and environmental factors are likely to be involved.
Studies on twins with BPD suggest that the illness is strongly inherited. Another study shows that a person can inherit his or her temperament and specific personality traits, particularly impulsiveness and aggression. Scientists are studying genes that help regulate emotions and impulse control for possible links to the disorder.
Social or cultural factors may increase the risk for BPD. For example, being part of a community or culture in which unstable family relationships are common may increase a person's risk for the disorder. Impulsiveness, poor judgment in lifestyle choices, and other consequences of BPD may lead individuals to risky situations. Adults with borderline personality disorder are considerably more likely to be the victim of violence, including rape and other crimes.

Signs & Symptoms

According to the DSM, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR), to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a person must show an enduring pattern of behavior that includes at least five of the following symptoms:

• Extreme reactions—including panic, depression, rage, or frantic actions—to abandonment, whether real or perceived
• A pattern of intense and stormy relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, often veering from extreme closeness and love (idealization) to extreme dislike or anger (devaluation)
• Distorted and unstable self-image or sense of self, which can result in sudden changes in feelings, opinions, values, or plans and goals for the future (such as school or career choices)
• Impulsive and often dangerous behaviors, such as spending sprees, unsafe sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, and binge eating
• Recurring suicidal behaviors or threats or self-harming behavior, such as cutting
• Intense and highly changeable moods, with each episode lasting from a few hours to a few days
• Chronic feelings of emptiness and/or boredom
• Inappropriate, intense anger or problems controlling anger
• Having stress-related paranoid thoughts or severe dissociative symptoms, such as feeling cut off from oneself, observing oneself from outside the body, or losing touch with reality.

Seemingly mundane events may trigger symptoms. For example, people with BPD may feel angry and distressed over minor separations—such as vacations, business trips, or sudden changes of plans—from people to whom they feel close. Studies show that people with this disorder may see anger in an emotionally neutral face and have a stronger reaction to words with negative meanings than people who do not have the disorder.
Suicide and Self-harm
Self-injurious behavior includes suicide and suicide attempts, as well as self-harming behaviors, described below. As many as 80 percent of people with BPD have suicidal behaviors, and about 4 to 9 percent commit suicide.
Suicide is one of the most tragic outcomes of any mental illness. Some treatments can help reduce suicidal behaviors in people with BPD. For example, one study showed that dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) reduced suicide attempts in women by half compared with other types of psychotherapy, or talk therapy. DBT also reduced use of emergency room and inpatient services and retained more participants in therapy, compared to other approaches to treatment.
Unlike suicide attempts, self-harming behaviors do not stem from a desire to die. However, some self-harming behaviors may be life threatening. Self-harming behaviors linked with BPD include cutting, burning, hitting, head banging, hair pulling, and other harmful acts. People with BPD may self-harm to help regulate their emotions, to punish themselves, or to express their pain. They do not always see these behaviors as harmful.

Who Is At Risk?

According to data from a subsample of participants in a national survey on mental disorders, about 1.6 percent of adults in the United States have BPD in a given year.  BPD usually begins during adolescence or early adulthood. Some studies suggest that early symptoms of the illness may occur during childhood.

Diagnosis

Unfortunately, BPD is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
A mental health professional experienced in diagnosing and treating mental disorders—such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, clinical social worker, or psychiatric nurse—can detect BPD based on a thorough interview and a discussion about symptoms. A careful and thorough medical exam can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
The mental health professional may ask about symptoms and personal and family medical histories, including any history of mental illnesses. This information can help the mental health professional decide on the best treatment. In some cases, co-occurring mental illnesses may have symptoms that overlap with BPD, making it difficult to distinguish borderline personality disorder from other mental illnesses. For example, a person may describe feelings of depression but may not bring other symptoms to the mental health professional's attention.
Women with BPD are more likely to have co-occurring disorders such as major depression, anxiety disorders, or eating disorders. In men, BPD is more likely to co-occur with disorders such as substance abuse or antisocial personality disorder. According to the NIMH-funded National Comorbidity Survey Replication—the largest national study to date of mental disorders in U.S. adults—about 85 percent of people with BPD also meet the diagnostic criteria for another mental illness. Other illnesses that often occur with BPD include diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. These conditions are associated with obesity, which is a common side effect of the medications prescribed to treat BPD and other mental disorders.
No single test can diagnose BPD. Scientists funded by NIMH are looking for ways to improve diagnosis of this disorder. One study found that adults with BPD showed excessive emotional reactions when looking at words with unpleasant meanings, compared with healthy people. People with more severe BPD showed a more intense emotional response than people who had less severe BPD.

Treatments

BPD is often viewed as difficult to treat. However, recent research shows that BPD can be treated effectively, and that many people with this illness improve over time.
BPD can be treated with psychotherapy, or "talk" therapy. In some cases, a mental health professional may also recommend medications to treat specific symptoms. When a person is under more than one professional's care, it is essential for the professionals to coordinate with one another on the treatment plan.
The treatments described below are just some of the options that may be available to a person with BPD. However, the research on treatments is still in very early stages. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these treatments, who may benefit the most, and how best to deliver treatments.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is usually the first treatment for people with BPD. Current research suggests psychotherapy can relieve some symptoms, but further studies are needed to better understand how well psychotherapy works.
It is important that people in therapy get along with and trust their therapist. The very nature of BPD can make it difficult for people with this disorder to maintain this type of bond with their therapist.
Types of psychotherapy used to treat BPD include the following: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people with BPD identify and change core beliefs and/or behaviors that underlie inaccurate perceptions of themselves and others and problems interacting with others. CBT may help reduce a range of mood and anxiety symptoms and reduce the number of suicidal or self-harming behaviors.

1. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). This type of therapy focuses on the concept of mindfulness, or being aware of and attentive to the current situation. DBT teaches skills to control intense emotions, reduces self-destructive behaviors, and improves relationships. This therapy differs from CBT in that it seeks a balance between changing and accepting beliefs and behaviors.
2. Schema-focused therapy. This type of therapy combines elements of CBT with other forms of psychotherapy that focus on reframing schemas, or the ways people view themselves. This approach is based on the idea that BPD stems from a dysfunctional self-image—possibly brought on by negative childhood experiences—that affects how people react to their environment, interact with others, and cope with problems or stress.

Therapy can be provided one-on-one between the therapist and the patient or in a group setting. Therapist-led group sessions may help teach people with BPD how to interact with others and how to express themselves effectively.
One type of group therapy, Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving (STEPPS), is designed as a relatively brief treatment consisting of 20 two-hour sessions led by an experienced social worker. Scientists funded by NIMH reported that STEPPS, when used with other types of treatment (medications or individual psychotherapy), can help reduce symptoms and problem behaviors of BPD, relieve symptoms of depression, and improve quality of life. The effectiveness of this type of therapy has not been extensively studied.
Families of people with BPD may also benefit from therapy. The challenges of dealing with an ill relative on a daily basis can be very stressful, and family members may unknowingly act in ways that worsen their relative's symptoms.
Some therapies, such as DBT-family skills training (DBT-FST), include family members in treatment sessions. These types of programs help families develop skills to better understand and support a relative with BPD. Other therapies, such as Family Connections, focus on the needs of family members. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of family therapy in BPD. Studies with other mental disorders suggest that including family members can help in a person's treatment.
Other types of therapy not listed in this booklet may be helpful for some people with BPD. Therapists often adapt psychotherapy to better meet a person's needs. Therapists may switch from one type of therapy to another, mix techniques from different therapies, or use a combination therapy.
Some symptoms of BPD may come and go, but the core symptoms of highly changeable moods, intense anger, and impulsiveness tend to be more persistent. People whose symptoms improve may continue to face issues related to co-occurring disorders, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. However, encouraging research suggests that relapse, or the recurrence of full-blown symptoms after remission, is rare. In one study, 6 percent of people with BPD had a relapse after remission.
Medications
No medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat BPD. Only a few studies show that medications are necessary or effective for people with this illness. However, many people with BPD are treated with medications in addition to psychotherapy. While medications do not cure BPD, some medications may be helpful in managing specific symptoms. For some people, medications can help reduce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or aggression. Often, people are treated with several medications at the same time, but there is little evidence that this practice is necessary or effective.
Medications can cause different side effects in different people. People who have BPD should talk with their prescribing doctor about what to expect from a particular medication.
Other Treatments
Omega-3 fatty acids. One study done on 30 women with BPD showed that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of aggression and depression. The treatment seemed to be as well tolerated as commonly prescribed mood stabilizers and had few side effects. Fewer women who took omega-3 fatty acids dropped out of the study, compared to women who took a placebo (sugar pill).
With proper treatment, many people experience fewer or less severe symptoms. However, many factors affect the amount of time it takes for symptoms to improve, so it is important for people with BPD to be patient and to receive appropriate support during treatment.

Living With

Some people with BPD experience severe symptoms and require intensive, often inpatient, care. Others may use some outpatient treatments but never need hospitalization or emergency care. Some people who develop this disorder may improve without any treatment.
How can I help a friend or relative who has BPD?
If you know someone who has BPD, it affects you too. The first and most important thing you can do is help your friend or relative get the right diagnosis and treatment. You may need to make an appointment and go with your friend or relative to see the doctor. Encourage him or her to stay in treatment or to seek different treatment if symptoms do not appear to improve with the current treatment.
To help a friend or relative you can:
Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement—change can be difficult and frightening to people with BPD, but it is possible for them to get better over time

• Learn about mental disorders, including BPD, so you can understand what your friend or relative is experiencing
• With permission from your friend or relative, talk with his or her therapist to learn about therapies that may involve family members, such as DBT-FST.

Never ignore comments about someone's intent or plan to harm himself or herself or someone else. Report such comments to the person's therapist or doctor. In urgent or potentially life-threatening situations, you may need to call the police.
How can I help myself if I have BPD?
Taking that first step to help yourself may be hard. It is important to realize that, although it may take some time, you can get better with treatment.
To help yourself:

• Talk to your doctor about treatment options and stick with treatment
• Try to maintain a stable schedule of meals and sleep times
• Engage in mild activity or exercise to help reduce stress
• Set realistic goals for yourself
• Break up large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can, as you can
• Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or family member
• Tell others about events or situations that may trigger symptoms
• Expect your symptoms to improve gradually, not immediately
• Identify and seek out comforting situations, places, and people
• Continue to educate yourself about this disorder.

[Finding Peace and Contentment – Part 1]: What Does it Mean to be Blessed? (via productivemuslim.com)

If you’re in a state of difficulty, tribulation or restriction that is affecting your inner peace and making you think you’re not blessed, then you should read this.

We all want to be ‘blessed’, right? When we’re pleased with someone, we say “God bless you.” When people ask us to make dua for them, we say “May Allah bless you.” But have we asked ourselves what a blessing really is? What does it mean to be blessed?

Sometimes, we take this word for granted and miss the incredibly beautiful depth and meanings that are embedded in the state of being “blessed”. In this article, we will reflect more on what being blessed really means; to refine our understanding of our circumstances, ourselves and our surroundings.

Afflicted but thankful: food for thought

To start with, I’d like to share this anecdote I came across about a righteous man. As funny and seemingly strange as it appeared, I found it worth reflecting on.

This man was bald, blind, a leper and had paralyzed hands and feet. Nevertheless, he was so content and at peace with himself that he used to constantly make this dua:

“All praise is due to Allah who saved me from that which He has afflicted others, and blessed me greatly over many of those whom He has created.”

While making this dua, a man passing by him asked:

“Saved you from what, man? You’re bald, blind, a leper and paralyzed! So, saved you from what?”

The man replied:

“How could you say that? Allah has given me a tongue that is in constant remembrance of Him, a heart that is in constant gratitude towards Him and a body that is in constant patience over its afflictions“

Suddenly, this righteous man put the matter in perspective for the questioner and anyone who wishes to contemplate deeply, genuinely and sincerely on the true meaning of blessings.

Reevaluating blessings

What comes to your mind when you hear the word blessings? Many of us get an image of material possessions or material physical aspects or worldly goods in our minds when we hear this word.

However, Allah says:

“And whatever thing you [people] have been given – it is [only for] the enjoyment of worldly life and its adornment. And what is with Allah is better and more lasting; so will you not use reason?”

[Qur’an: Chapter 28, Verse 60]

He also says:

“Indeed, We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.“[Qur’an: Chapter 18, Verse 7]

Blessings are a test

Contemplating on Qur’anic verses and Prophetic ahadith establishes one fact about blessings clearly: they are a test.

Being healthy, wealthy or popular in and of themselves are not necessarily the ultimate success. Losing them, also, is not the ultimate failure.

Blessings may be a means that absorb people in their worldly life, divert them away from the remembrance of Allah  or make them greedy in pursuit of more or in constant worry over the loss of that which they have been given. In this case, are they really a blessing?

Similarly, true affliction is also not necessarily a disease or loss of wealth and status, because these same conditions may be the spark which directs people to seek Allah  more passionately and constantly so that they deepen their bond, connection and reliance on Him .

Allah says in Surat Al-Fajr:

“And as for man, when his Lord tries him and [thus] is generous to him and favors him, he says, “My Lord has honored me.” But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, “My Lord has humiliated me.” No!” [Qur’an: Chapter 89, Verses 15-17]

The verses clearly indicate that there is one common element in blessings and hardships: they are both a trial; reinforcing the fact that what may look like good fortune from the outside is not necessarily the source of success and vice versa.

The Prophet so eloquently explained that:

“Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is being content with oneself.” [at-Tirmidhi]

This is what the righteous man we spoke about in the beginning understood, that’s why he was at peace, content and even grateful because he had been truly blessed – with wisdom:

“…and whoever has been given wisdom has certainly been given much good. And none will remember except those of understanding.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 269]

Blessings and spiritual growth

A deep understanding of the meaning of blessings is directly connected to your spirituality. Why?

Not having a deeper understanding of what blessings are might actually hinder people’s connection with Allah .

We all face difficulties, ups, downs and failures and we might be surrounded with calamities. Some people might then think that they’re not ‘blessed’. Some people think that being ‘blessed’ means that one has to be rich, happy, healthy and with no problems. If those conditions are not met, one might feel cursed, unworthy or fall into a state of depression, confusion, or even worse, rebellion against the Creator .

Spiritual growth, accordingly, has to do with perceiving things correctly. The spirit is a gift from Allah , its Creator. When we grow spiritually, we grow towards the Source of our spirits, nearer to Him, and not away from Him ! Growing spiritually is easier when one has a proper perception and understanding of the Creator . So, the negative or inadequate perception of Allah or of the nature of this life’s trials could hold back our spiritual growth.

Does Allah stop loving us when He withholds?

Allah is full of love for and towards His Creation (mankind). One of His names is “Al Wadud” (The Most Loving).

Allah  says in Surat Al-Baqarah:

“It is He who created for you all of that which is on the earth….” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 29]

Everything on earth is created for you. The sun, the moon, the earth, the mountains, the fruits, etc.; everything is created for you to use and/or reflect on, but you are created for Him !

What does this mean?

Allah says in Surat ad-Dhariyat:

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Qur’an: Chapter 51, Verse 56]

If the entire purpose of our life is to worship Allah , such worship cannot be restricted to the hurried prayers we offer everyday, but a level of worship that necessitates a deeper bond and connection. The word for prayer in Arabic (sala) is similar to the word (sela), which means connection. When you connect with someone, you get to know them more, you get to know them better and you get an opportunity to develop deep love for them, right?

Allah wants us to love Him. In times of difficulty or restriction, we should not turn our back on Him thinking He doesn’t love us anymore. Love doesn’t mean that you always shower the other with blessings that are constituted of material, tangible presents. Love is much deeper. Love and commitment entail sticking to the other in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer. Right? Isn’t this what those in love vow to one another when they declare their commitment?

So, if you are one of those people who thinks that Allah doesn’t love you just because you’re in a state of tribulation or because you feel you’re not “blessed” enough, it’s time to change your perspective of being blessed to the right one. Facing some sort of trial or difficulty might in fact carry in its folds far better and deeper lessons and blessings that you wouldn’t have learned or earned otherwise.

The incredible blessing: patience

Allow your eyes, minds and hearts to contemplate deeply and carefully on this hadith of the Prophet :

Some people from the Ansar asked Allah’s Messenger (to give them something) and he gave to every one of them who asked him until all that he had was finished. When everything was finished and he had spent all that was in his hand, he said to them:

‘“(Know) that if I have any wealth, I will not withhold it from you (to keep for somebody else); And (know) that he who refrains from begging others (or doing prohibited deeds), Allah will make him contented and not in need of others; and he who remains patient, Allah will bestow patience upon him, and he who is satisfied with what he has, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And there is no blessing better and vast (you may be given) than patience.” [Sahih Al Bukhari]

Some people might look at this and think, “Patience? Really? What do I do with that? Where do I cash it?”

If you have the same thoughts, then hold on and think deeply.

Why is patience the best blessing?

1. Patience keeps you in the company of Allah in this world

Unlike blessings that can be consumed and completely used up in this worldly life, patience is a limitless gift that allows you to remain in the company of Allah , relying on Him alone in this life and growing more intimately connected to Him. Allah  specifically assures us that He will be in the company of the patient and reward them immeasurably:

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 153]

“…and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [Qur’an: Chapter 8, Verse 46]

“…Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [Qur’an: Chapter 39, Verse 10]

So, patience gives you an opportunity to connect and bond deeply with Allah , while other blessings could take you away from Him .

2. Patience helps you reach Al-Firdaus

Just like being patient keeps you in Allah’s company in this world, you will remain closely in His company in the Hereafter; and that is the ultimate goal! We all ultimately aspire for our eternal home in paradise. Prophet Muhammad said that if we were to ask for paradise, we should ask for its highest level: Al-Firdaus Al-A’la. Why?

“Al-Firdaus is the highest of Paradise and its most expansive, and above that is the Throne of Ar-Rahman (the Most Merciful), and from it the rivers of Paradise are made to flow forth. So when you ask Allah, ask Him for Al-Firdaus” [at-Tirmidhi]

So, this paradise, Al-Firdaus, is the closest to the Creator, Ar-Rahman, and if you want to earn an eternal closeness to Him, shouldn’t you be working on initiating and deepening this relationship here first?

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who struggle in His cause and made evident those who are patient?” [Qur’an: Chapter 3, Verse 142]

3. Patience earns you limitless reward

Now that we’ve understood that when you are patient you’re in fact in the company of Allah Himself, consider anything else you think is an outward blessing. Do they have an end? Health, wealth, success, beauty, popularity, etc. Are they limitless? No, they have their own limits. On the other hand, patience earns you the company of Allah , who said:

“Everyone upon the earth will perish, and there will remain the Face of your Lord, Owner of Majesty and Honor.” [Qur’an: Chapter 55, Verse 26]

Everything will perish, except your Exalted Companion who is  The Ever-Living, The Ever-Lasting, The Owner of the Kingdom. Everything you might have attached yourself to will vanish, except Him. And patience gives you an opportunity to really cling on to Him, The King of All Kings.

Isn’t this a vast and expansive blessing?

Lesson: The message here, my brothers and sisters, is that if you are in a state of difficulty that has no other solution but for you to be patient and turn to Allah , then don’t panic. Know that you have been given an opportunity to acquire a state of the highest and most eternal form of blessings. So, don’t panic. It will be over. Sooner or later it will be over, and if you really attained patience through it, then you have in fact been given an opportunity for a never-ending reward, in sha Allah!

Live between patience and gratitude

To live contentedly in this life, you must be in one of two conditions:

• a state of shukr (gratitude towards Allah) for whatever good you have been given, or
• a state of patience over whatever affliction you think you’re in

We will all experience both conditions. We all will experience some sort of affliction and some sort of prosperity. Neither one of those conditions mean you’re ultimately successful, and neither one of those conditions mean you’re ultimately doomed. Allah has already made that clear to us:

“In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you. And Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 57, Verse 23]

True success is to be truly grateful when gratefulness is due because this shows you’re mindful of Allah and not heedless of Him, and to be patient when patience is due because this means you’re still mindful of Allah and hopeful of Him and trust His immense power and ability to get you out of whatever you’re in, and to reward you for it here and in the Hereafter for eternity.

The key is to remember what the beautiful Prophet said:

“How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” [Muslim]

Why does this apply exclusively to the believer? Because the believer knows that this life is ultimately about knowing and connecting with Allah . Discovering and understanding Allah’s Majesty, Power, Grace and all His beautiful attributes takes more than a lifetime! He has given us a lifetime to get to know Him and love Him, and we will take this bond with us to the next life for eternity. That’s the whole point of this temporary life: so we must not be overly happy over whatever good we have or overly sad about whatever we don’t have. If we get fixated on the material world ignoring the fact that this world is ending and we are all going to die with nothing of this material world in our hands; where then are the blessings and what then have we earned?

Tips

• Next time you ask Allah to ‘bless’ you or someone else, think sincerely about what you’re saying. Ask for true and eternal blessings. Ask Allah to give us wisdom because this will help us face the inevitable ups and downs of life gracefully. Ask Him to give us patience when patience is due and to help us be thankful when thankfulness is due because really, that is the true blessing!

• If you’re in a state of tribulation, learn how to deal with difficulties better.

Written by Dina Mohamed Basiony.
Dina Mohamed Basiony is a writer based in Egypt. She has an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication from the American University in Cairo.

Source: http://productivemuslim.com/finding-peace-and-contentment-part1/

What is Dissociative Idenity Disorder?

Dissociative Identity Disorder 

Dissociation is a common, naturally occurring defense against childhood trauma. When faced with overwhelming abuse, children can dissociate from full awareness of a traumatic experience. Dissociation may become a defensive pattern that persists into adulthood and can result in a full-fledged dissociative disorder.

Formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is a condition in which a person has two or more distinct identity or personality states, which may alternate within the individual's conscious awareness. The different personality states usually have distinct names, identities, temperament, and self-image. At least two of these personalities repeatedly assert themselves to control the affected person's behavior and consciousness, causing long lapses in memory that far exceed typical episodes of forgetting. Additionally, physiological conditions, such as direct effects from substance use or general medical conditions such as seizures, must be ruled out.

Impact

Having a loved one who has DID can be painful, confusing, and may evoke all kinds of emotional reactions. If you become aware of the abuse, you may feel angry, anxious, sad, or disgusted, along with empathy and worry. It may be hard keeping track of all the personalities (or "alters") if you have experienced them. Often, persons with DID cannot tell which of the alters is out at a given time and do not expect their loved ones to know either. A major adjustment for relatives and friends is the constant switching between personalities. Integration can bring about significant changes in a personality as the different alters grow and change dramatically. Although you may feel like the person you knew no longer exists, the part that you knew before integration still exists. Now you know more of him or her.

Causes

The main cause of DID is believed to be severe and prolonged trauma experienced during childhood, including emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

The development of dissociative identity disorder is understood to be a result of several factors:

• Recurrent episodes of severe physical, emotional or sexual abuse in childhood.
• Absence of safe and nurturing resources to overwhelming abuse or trauma.
• Ability to dissociate easily.
• Development of a coping style that helped during distress and the use of splitting as a survival skill.
• While abuse is frequently present, it cannot be assumed that family members were involved in the abuse.

Symptoms

Many symptoms of DID are similar to those of other physical and mental disorders, including substance abuse, seizure disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The common symptoms of DID include:

• Inability to remember large parts of childhood.
• Unexplained events and inability to be aware of them (such as finding yourself somewhere without remembering how you got there or new clothes that you have no recollection of buying).
• Frequent bouts of memory loss or "lost time."
• Sudden return of memories, as in a flashback and/or flashback to traumatic events.
• Episodes of feeling disconnected or detached from one's body and thoughts.
• Hallucinations (sensory experiences that are not real, such as hearing voices talking to you or talking inside your head).
• "Out of body" experiences.
• Suicide attempts or self-injury.
• Differences in handwriting from time to time.
• Changing levels of functioning, from highly effective to nearly disabled.

Persons with DID may also have problems with:

• Depression or mood swings.
• Anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks and phobias (flashbacks, reactions to stimuli or "triggers").
• Eating disorders.
• Unexplained sleep problems (such as insomnia, night terrors, and sleep walking).
• Severe headaches or pain in other parts of the body.
• Sexual dysfunction, including sexual addiction and avoidance.

Seeking Help

The diagnosis of DID requires medical and psychiatric evaluation which can include specific questions about dissociation, prolonged interviews, and journals between visits. Specially designed questionnaires are used to screen and diagnose DID.

Seek professional medical help if you (or a loved one) have significant, unexplained memory loss, a chronic sense that your identity or the world around you is blurry or unreal, and you experience a major change in behavior when under stress. Immediate emergency care should be sought if there are serious thoughts of self-harm, suicide or homicide.

Early intervention and psychotherapy for experiences of abuse/trauma in both children and adults can help prevent the formation of dissociative symptoms and dissociative disorders.

Intervention and Treatment

Left untreated, DID can last a lifetime. While treatment for DID may take several years, it is effective. Persons with DID may find that they are better able to handle the symptoms in middle adulthood. Stress, substance abuse, and sometimes anger can cause a relapse of symptoms at any time. As a good standard of care, persons with DID should be treated by a mental health professional with specialized training and experience with dissociation. Since physical illness can sometimes mimic or contribute to a psychological disorder, a complete physical examination by a physician is warranted when there are concerns about physical conditions. For significant mood disorders and psychiatric conditions, a psychiatric consult is necessary.

1. Psychotherapy. Treatment for DID consists primarily of individual psychotherapy and can last for an average of five to seven years in adults. Individual psychotherapy is the most widely used modality as opposed to family, group or couples therapy. The main goal for treatment is the integration of the separate personality states into one cohesive, unified personality, unless the person with DID is not ready or motivated to work with trauma. Psychotherapy for dissociative disorders often involves techniques that help work through the trauma that triggers dissociative symptoms. Treatment may include the following stages: uncovering and "mapping" the alters or parts; treating the traumatic memories and "fusing" the alters; and consolidating the newly integrated personality. 
2. Family Therapy is recommended to help educate the family about DID and its causes, to understand the changes that can take place as the personality is being reintegrated, as well as help family members recognize symptoms of recurrence. Family therapy for a person with DID may produce significant negative and traumatic memories of other family members which can hinder clinical progress. 
3. Group therapy may be beneficial in addition to individual therapy, provided the group is exclusively for people with dissociative disorders. Persons with DID can sometimes have setbacks in mixed therapy groups because others may be bothered or disturbed by the personality switches. 
4. Medications. There is no medication to treat DID since it is not an organic disorder or a chemical imbalance. However, antidepressants and anxiolytics might help with mood disorders. 
5. Clinical Hypnosis. Despite controversy about therapists implanting false memories by suggestion, clinical hypnosis can be used in conjunction with psychotherapy when conducted safely by a trained therapist. Hypnosis can help clients access repressed memories, control problematic behaviors, such as self-mutilation and eating disorders, and help fuse the alters during the integration process.

The text of this brochure written by Shobha Pais, PhD.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss.
Symptoms

• Inadequate food intake leading to a weight that is clearly too low.
• Intense fear of weight gain, obsession with weight and persistent behavior to prevent weight gain.
• Self-esteem overly related to body image.
• Inability to appreciate the severity of the situation.
• Binge-Eating/Purging Type involves binge eating and/or purging behaviors during the last three months.
• Restricting Type does not involve binge eating or purging.

Eating disorders experts have found that prompt intensive treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery.  Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of anorexia nervosa.
Warning Signs

• Dramatic weight loss.
• Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, fat grams, and dieting.
• Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g. no carbohydrates, etc.).
• Frequent comments about feeling “fat” or overweight despite weight loss.
• Anxiety about gaining weight or being “fat.”
• Denial of hunger.
• Development of food rituals (e.g. eating foods in certain orders, excessive chewing, rearranging food on a plate).
• Consistent excuses to avoid mealtimes or situations involving food.
• Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury, the need to “burn off” calories taken in.
• Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
• In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns.

Health Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa involves self-starvation.; The body is denied the essential nutrients it needs to function normally, so it is forced to slow down all of its processes to conserve energy. This “slowing down” can have serious medical consequences:

• Abnormally slow heart rate and low blood pressure, which mean that the heart muscle is changing.  The risk for heart failure rises as heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower.
• Reduction of bone density (osteoporosis), which results in dry, brittle bones.
• Muscle loss and weakness.
• Severe dehydration, which can result in kidney failure.
• Fainting, fatigue, and overall weakness.
• Dry hair and skin, hair loss is common.
• Growth of a downy layer of hair called lanugo all over the body, including the face, in an effort to keep the body warm.

About Anorexia Nervosa

• Approximately 90-95% of anorexia nervosa sufferers are girls and women.
• Between 0.5–1% of American women suffer from anorexia nervosa.
• Anorexia nervosa is one of the most common psychiatric diagnoses in young women.
• Between 5-20% of individuals struggling with anorexia nervosa will die.  The probabilities of death increases within that range depending on the length of the condition.
• Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest death rates of any mental health condition. 
• Anorexia nervosa typically appears in early to mid-adolescence.

ating disorder treatment step #1: Ask for help

It can be scary and embarrassing to seek help for an eating disorder but gaining support from a trusted friend, family member, religious leader, school counselor, or work colleague is for many people the first step on the road to recovery. Alternately, some people find it less threatening to confide in a treatment specialist, such as an eating disorder counselor or nutritionist.
Whoever you select as a confidant, set aside a specific time to discuss your situation with them, ideally in a quiet, comfortable place away from other people and distractions. Remember, your friend or family member may be shocked when you disclose details of your eating disorder. They may even be angry or confused, unsure of how to respond or the best way to help you. It’s important to remain patient. Take time to educate them about your specific eating disorder and the ways you’d like them to support you during the recovery process.

How to talk to someone about your eating disorder

The more specific the information you offer, the better the person you’re speaking with will understand and be able to help. Answer the following questions and include the answers you are comfortable revealing:

• When did you begin having different thoughts regarding food, weight, or exercise? What were the thoughts?
• When did the different behaviors start? What was the behavior and did you hope to accomplish something specific (lose weight, gain control of something, get someone’s attention)?
• Have you noticed any physical health effects (fatigue, loss of hair, digestive problems, loss of menstrual cycle, heart palpitations, etc.)? Or any emotional effects?
• How are you currently feeling physically? Emotionally? Do you feel ready to stop the disordered eating behaviors?
• How can the people in your life best support you? Do you want them to monitor your behavior?
• Do you want them to ask you how you are doing with your recovery or would you rather tell them?

Source: National Eating Disorders Association

Eating disorder treatment step #2: Find a specialist

Eating disorder recovery is much easier when you have experienced, caring health professionals in your corner. It’s important to find a professional counselor or nutritionist who specializes in anorexia or bulimia. As you search, focus on finding the right fit, someone who makes you feel comfortable, accepted, and safe. To find an eating disorder treatment specialist in your area:

• Ask your primary care doctor for a referral.
• Check with local hospitals or medical centers.
• Ask your school counselor or nurse.
• Call the National Eating Disorders Association’s toll-free hotline at 1-800-931-2237 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST).

Eating disorder treatment step #3: Address health problems

Anorexia and bulimia can be deadly—and not just if you’re drastically underweight. Your health may be in danger, even if you only occasionally fast, binge, or purge, so it’s important to get a full medical evaluation. If the evaluation reveals health problems, they should take top treatment priority. Nothing is more important than your physical well-being. If you’re suffering from any life-threatening problem, you may need to be hospitalized in order to keep you safe.

Eating disorder treatment step #4: Make a long-term treatment plan

Once your health problems are under control, you and your doctor or therapist can work on a long-term recovery plan. First, you’ll need to assemble a complete eating disorder treatment team. Your team might include a family doctor, a psychologist, a nutritionist, a social worker, and a psychiatrist. Then you and your team will develop a treatment plan that’s individualized to meet your needs.
Your eating disorder treatment plan may include:

Inpatient treatment Individual or group therapy Family therapy

Eating disorder education Nutritional counseling Medical monitoring

An effective treatment program for eating disorders should address more than just your symptoms and destructive eating habits. It should also address the root causes of the problem—the emotional triggers that lead to disordered eating and your difficulty coping with stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and other uncomfortable emotions.

Treatment options for anorexia and bulimia

While there are a variety of different treatment options available for those struggling with eating disorders, it is important to find the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best for you.

Therapy for eating disorders

Therapy is crucial to treating anorexia and bulimia. There are many ways a therapist can work with you, including addressing any feelings of shame and isolation caused by your eating disorder. Different therapists have different methods, so it is important to discuss with a therapist your goals in working towards recovery.
The most common therapy for eating disorders is cognitive-behavioral therapy. This targets the unhealthy eating behaviors of anorexia and bulimia and the unrealistic, negative thoughts that fuel them. One of the main goals is for you to become more self-aware of how you use food to deal with emotions. The therapist will help you recognize your emotional triggers and learn how to avoid or combat them. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders also involves education about nutrition, healthy weight management, and relaxation techniques.

Nutritional counseling for eating disorders

The goal of a nutritionist or dietician is to help you incorporate healthy eating behaviors into your everyday life. A nutritionist can’t change your habits overnight, but over a period of time you can learn to develop a healthier relationship with the food you consume.

Eating disorder support groups

While family and friends can be a huge help in providing support, you may also want to join an eating disorder support group. They provide a safe environment where you can talk freely about your eating disorder and get advice and support from people who know what you’re going through.

Online support for eating disorders

You can find online help for anorexia and bulimia at Internet support groups, chat rooms, and forums. Online resources are particularly helpful if you’re not ready to seek face-to-face help or you don’t have an eating disorder support group in your area. See the Resources & References section below.

There are many types of eating disorder support groups. Some are led by professional therapists, while others are moderated by trained volunteers or people who have recovered from an eating disorder.
To find an eating disorder support group in your area:

• Ask your doctor or therapist for a referral
• Call local hospitals and universities
• Call local eating disorder centers and clinics
• Visit your school’s counseling center
• Search the National Eating Disorders Association’s. See the Resources & References section below.

Self-help for eating disorders: Learning new coping skills

Anorexia and bulimia aren’t about food. They’re about using food to cope with painful emotions such as anger, self-loathing, vulnerability, and fear. Disordered eating is a coping mechanism—whether you refuse food to feel in control, binge for comfort, or purge to punish yourself. But you can learn healthier ways to cope with negative emotions.
The first step is figuring out what’s really eating you up inside. Remember, “fat” is not a feeling, so if you feel overweight and unattractive, stop and ask yourself what’s really going on. Are you upset about something? Depressed? Stressed out? Lonely? Once you identify the emotion you’re experiencing, you can choose a positive alternative to starving or stuffing yourself.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Call a friend Listen to music Play with a pet Read a good book Take a walk

Write in a journal Go to the movies Get out into nature Play a favorite game Do something nice for someone else

Coping with anorexia and bulimia: Emotional Do and Don't lists

Do…

• allow yourself to be vulnerable with people you trust
• fully experience every emotion
• be open and accepting of all your emotions
• use people to comfort you when you feel bad, instead of focusing on food
• let your emotions come and go as they please without fear

Don’t…

• pretend you don’t feel anything when you do
• let people shame or humiliate you for having or expressing feelings
• avoid feelings because they make you uncomfortable
• worry about your feelings making you fall apart
• focus on food when you’re experiencing a painful emotion

Adapted from: The Food and Feelings Workbook, by Karin R. Koenig, Gurze Books

Self-help for eating disorders: Improving your self-image

When you base your self-worth on physical appearance alone, you’re ignoring all the other qualities, accomplishments, and abilities that make you beautiful. Think about your friends and family members. Do they love you for the way you look or who you are? Chances are, your appearance ranks low on the list of what they love about you—and you probably feel the same about them. So why does it top your own list?
Placing too much importance on how you look leads to low self-esteem and insecurity. But you can learn to see yourself in a positive, balanced way:

• Make a list of your positive qualities. Think of all the things you like about yourself. Are you smart? Kind? Creative? Loyal? Funny? What would others say are your good qualities? Include your talents, skills, and achievements. Also think about bad qualities you DON’T have.
• Focus on what you like about your body. Instead of searching for flaws when you look in the mirror, appreciate the things you like about your appearance. If you’re distracted by “imperfections,” remind yourself that nobody’s perfect. Even supermodels get airbrushed.
• Challenge negative self-talk. When you catch yourself being self-critical or pessimistic, stop and challenge the negative thought. Ask yourself what evidence you have to support the idea. What is the evidence against it? Just because you believe something, doesn’t mean it’s true.
  
  

Self-help for eating disorders: Learning healthy eating habits

Learning and establishing healthy eating habits is an essential step in recovery from anorexia and bulimia.

• Stick to a regular eating schedule. You may be used to skipping meals or fasting for long stretches. But when you starve yourself, food becomes all you think about. To avoid this preoccupation, make sure to eat every three hours. Plan ahead for meals and snacks, and don’t skip!
• Challenge your strict eating rules. Strict rules about food and eating fuel anorexia and bulimia, so it’s important to replace them with healthier ones. For example, if you have a rule forbidding all desserts, change it into a less rigid guideline such as, “I won’t eat dessert every day.” You won’t gain weight by enjoying an occasional ice cream or cookie.
• Don’t diet. Healthy eating—not dieting—is the key to avoiding weight gain. Instead of focusing on what you shouldn’t eat, focus on nutritious foods that will energize you and make your body strong. Think of food as fuel for your body. Your body knows when the tank is low, so listen to it. Eat when you’re truly hungry, then stop when you’re full.

Relapse prevention for anorexia and bulimia

The work of eating disorder recovery doesn’t end once you’ve adopted healthy habits. It’s important to take steps to maintain your progress and prevent relapse.

• Develop a solid support system. Surround yourself with people who support you and want to see you healthy and happy. Avoid people that drain your energy, encourage disordered eating behaviors, or make you feel bad about yourself.
• Stick with your eating disorder treatment plan. Don’t neglect therapy or other components of your treatment, even if you’re doing better. Follow the recommendations of your treatment team.
• Fill your life with positive activities. Make time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Try something you’ve always wanted to do, develop a new skill, pick up a fun hobby, or volunteer in your community. The more rewarding your life, the less desire you’ll have to focus on food and weight.
• Avoid pro-ana and pro-mia websites. Don’t visit websites that promote or glorify anorexia and bulimia . These sites are run by people who want excuses to continue down their destructive path. The “support” they offer is dangerous and will only get in the way of your recovery.
• Identify your “triggers.” Are you more likely to revert to your old, destructive behaviors during the holidays, exam week, or swimsuit season? Know what your triggers are, and have a plan for dealing with them, such as going to therapy more often or asking for extra support from family and friends.

Suicide facts

Suicide does not discriminate. People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. But people most at risk tend to share certain characteristics. The main risk factors for suicide are:

• Depression, other mental disorders, or substance abuse disorder
• A prior suicide attempt
• Family history of a mental disorder or substance abuse
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Having guns or other firearms in the home
• Incarceration, being in prison or jail
• Being exposed to others’ suicidal behavior, such as that of family members, peers, or media figures.

The risk for suicidal behavior is complex. Research suggests that people who attempt suicide differ from others in many aspects of how they think, react to events, and make decisions. There are differences in aspects of memory, attention, planning, and emotion, for example. These differences often occur along with disorders like depression, substance use, anxiety, and psychosis. Sometimes suicidal behavior is triggered by events such as personal loss or violence. In order to be able to detect those at risk and prevent suicide, it is crucial that we understand the role of both long-term factors—such as experiences in childhood—and more immediate factors like mental health and recent life events. Researchers are also looking at how genes can either increase risk or make someone more resilient to loss and hardships.
Many people have some of these risk factors but do not attempt suicide. Suicide is not a normal response to stress. It is, however, a sign of extreme distress, not a harmless bid for attention.

What about gender?

Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, but women are more likely to attempt suicide. Men are more likely to use deadlier methods, such as firearms or suffocation.Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide by poisoning.

What about children?

Children and young people are at risk for suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 34.

What about older adults?

Older adults are at risk for suicide, too.While older adults were the demographic group with the highest suicide rates for decades, suicide rates for middle-aged adults has increased to comparable levels (ages 24–62). Among those age 65+, white males comprise over 80 percent of all late-life suicides.

What about different ethnic groups?

Among ethnicities, American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) tend to have the highest rate of suicides, followed by non-Hispanic Whites. Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islanders each have suicide rates that are about half their White and AI/AN counterparts.

How can suicide be prevented?

Effective suicide prevention is based on sound research. Programs that work take into account people’s risk factors and promote interventions that are appropriate to specific groups of people. For example, research has shown that mental and substance abuse disorders are risk factors for suicide. Therefore, many programs focus on treating these disorders in addition to addressing suicide risk specifically.
Psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” can effectively reduce suicide risk. One type is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can help people learn new ways of dealing with stressful experiences by training them to consider alternative actions when thoughts of suicide arise.
Another type of psychotherapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has been shown to reduce the rate of suicide among people with borderline personality disorder, a serious mental illness characterized by unstable moods, relationships, self- image, and behavior. A therapist trained in DBT helps a person recognize when his or her feelings or actions are disruptive or unhealthy, and teaches the skills needed to deal better with upsetting situations.
Medications may also help; promising medications and psychosocial treatments for suicidal people are being tested.
Still other research has found that many older adults and women who die by suicide saw their primary care providers in the year before death. Training doctors to recognize signs that a person may be considering suicide may help prevent even more suicides.
 

How do I get help?

To get the help you need in your country you can visit HERE, where there are hotlines for different countries. Find the country you are in and access your countries hotline.

What should I do if someone I know is considering suicide?

If you know someone who is considering suicide, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get your loved one to seek immediate help from his or her doctor or the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911. Remove any access he or she may have to firearms or other potential tools for suicide, including medications.