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My Life is Full of Fear

15 February, 2018
Q In my teenage days, I visited a place where someone died. I was fine at that time, but this place and person engraved in my memory and now anytime I think of them I get so scared. Many people die in our society, but I am not much concerned about them as much as I am about this particular place and person. I can’t forget his death and the place and the things that happened at that time. This effects my whole life. I can’t enjoy anything due to this; it comes to my mind every second. Please help!

Answer

Aisha Mohammad
15 February, 2018

In this counseling answer:

“In the meantime, when these obtrusive thoughts come into your mind, picture a big red stop sign (to deflect the oncoming thought) and try to stop it in its track. This may take several attempts, but I am confident you can do it.”

As-Salamu ‘Alaykum,

While I am not sure if you are speaking of someone you know that was close to you or something you saw when you were younger, nonetheless, it sounds like it was a traumatic event. As you keep having these memories and recollections come into your mind causing you fear and distress, I am wondering if you are suffering from PTSD or an OCD type of issue. Without further information regarding other symptoms, it is hard to tell.

I would kindly suggest that you find a therapist in your area whom you are comfortable with and discuss these thoughts and reoccurring fears. In sha’ Allah, you will get a correct diagnosis and treatment plans.

In the meantime, when these obtrusive thoughts come into your mind, picture a big red stop sign (to deflect the oncoming thought) and try to stop it in its track. This may take several attempts, but I am confident you can do it.

Also, write down a list of things you enjoy doing or thinking about and when these thoughts come replace them with the good thoughts and or/actions. Again, it may time some time and efforts, but I do believe, in sha’ Allah, you will gain control over these intrusive thoughts and fears.

Also, there are some excellent sites for stress reduction techniques that will calm your mind and relax your body. Please do a search for these if you are able.

Most important, please do pray that Allah takes this fear and thoughts from you. Read Qur’an, make dhzikr and be confident that in sha’ Allah you will be relieved of this.

Also don’t forget to make an appointment with a counselor who will also provide you with relief in sha’ Allah and further answers/resolutions.

You are in our prayers. Please let us know how you are doing.

Salam,

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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

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fear anxiety Aisha Muhammad-Swan
About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.