Zumna Ijaz is a mental health advocate and self-described depression survivor who uses her Instagram platform to inspire others. Her profile is a mix of inspirational quotes, religious messages, Through her posts, Zumna promotes self-care, goal setting, and finding strength in faith.

Overcoming Depression and Finding Her Voice

Zumna’s journey with mental health has been one of challenge and resilience. She has spoken openly about her experience with depression, and how she has worked to overcome it. Her story is a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, but that there is hope for recovery.

Zumna’s vision is that what important is a genuine desire to support mental health and well-being in whatever way feels meaningful to me.

Prophet of Allah, Muhammad (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection

Inspiring Others Through Self-Care and Goal Setting

Zumna is a strong believer in the power of self-care. She encourages her followers to take care of their physical and mental health by:

• Eating healthy foods
• Getting enough sleep
• Making time for activities they enjoy

She also emphasizes the importance of setting goals and working towards them. By setting goals, we give ourselves something to strive for and a sense of accomplishment when we achieve them.

Finding Strength in Faith

Faith is an important part of Zumna’s life. She often shares religious messages on her Instagram profile, crediting her faith with helping her through her struggles with mental health. Her posts offer encouragement to others who may be going through difficult times, reminding them that they are not alone and that there is strength to be found in faith.

Using Social Media as a Tool for Advocacy

Zumna uses social media in several ways to raise awareness and motivate others:

• Sharing her journey of overcoming depression and anxiety
• Creating relatable content through reels, captions, stories, and Q&A sessions
• Highlighting the importance of balanced social media use for mental well-being

Zumna recognizes the vast reach of social media and leverages it to spread awareness about mental health on a global scale.

The Impact of Advocacy: Making a Difference

Zumna’s platform has demonstrably helped many people. Here are some examples of the positive impact she has made:

• Helped individuals identify and manage mental health issues
• Provided support and advocacy for girls facing abuse and neglect
• Inspired a sense of hope and resilience in her followers

Zumna’s dedication to helping others is truly inspiring.

Sharing one of the story Zumna told us:

Once a girl who reached out to me after enduring abuse by her family members. I focused on helping her maintain her physical and mental well-being, supporting her education, and rebuilding her self-confidence. It was a challenging journey, but witnessing her resilience and progress was incredibly rewarding.

Tools for Hope: Zumna’s Vision for Mental Health Awareness

Zumna has a unique perspective on mental health awareness, which she shared through the interview:

• Social media responsibility: She envisions a shift towards mindful sharing, encouraging users to be cautious about the potential impact of their content on others.
• Combating misconceptions: She aims to dispel the myth that mental health is a luxury or that it doesn’t affect children.
• The power of hope: Zumna emphasizes the importance of hope, particularly for children. She highlights fostering a strong belief system as a way to navigate mental health challenges.

We asked zumna to “write a letter to your younger self struggling with mental health, what advice would you give?” The answer was the motivation for many of us.

Inspiration and Strength: Sources of Support on her Journey

Zumna has found strength and inspiration from several sources:

• Her mother: Zumna credits her mother’s unwavering support and belief in her as a pillar of strength.

“Having a mom during a depression phase, girl you’re blessed.”

Her presence was my strength 24/7. Coming out of depression, for me, was deeply tied to hope. I maintained high hopes, knowing that many who achieved greatness also faced such dark phases. I understood that an extraordinary life requires actions beyond the ordinary. I had big goals and intentions, intense enough to overpower any anxiety or depression. It was ingrained in me that I had to overcome it, even if not today, then maybe next year, but I would, in sha Allah. ~Zumna

• Self-esteem: Nurturing self-esteem was crucial for Zumna’s recovery.
• Faith: Her Islamic faith provides a sense of purpose and helps her view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Belief in Allah strengthens the soul; it gives purpose to life and allows us to see our worst mental health days as opportunities to become stronger versions of ourselves.

Allah says in the Quran, "Say, 'It is, for those who believe, a guidance and cure.'" (Quran 41:44)

Building a Mental Health Toolbox

Zumna recommends these three essential tools for promoting mental well-being:

• Health Journal: Track your routine, including healthy diet choices and physical activities.
• Therapy: Talking to a trusted therapist or friend can provide significant relief.
• Duas (Supplications): Turning to prayer offers comfort and strengthens hope.

Ideal Self-Care Ritual

Here’s a glimpse into Zumna’s ideal self-care routine, packed with practical tips you can incorporate into your own life:

• The Power of Early Mornings

While getting a good night’s sleep is crucial, Zumna finds starting her day early at 4 am particularly beneficial. This quiet time allows her to savor the fresh air and begin the day with a positive mindset.

• Structure Through Prayer

Prayer has played a crucial role in fixing my routine. Aligning my waking and sleeping patterns with prayer times has helped me stay disciplined and maintain a sense of balance in my day-to-day life. I believe it is a powerful tool that can positively impact one’s routine.

• Nourishing Body and Soul Through Food

Zumna emphasizes mindful eating, opting for a diet that nourishes not just her body but also her soul. She has eliminated sugary drinks and processed foods, recognizing their fleeting satisfaction and lack of long-term benefits for mental well-being.

• Movement Matters: The Power of Walking

For exercise, Zumna embraced a simple 30-minute walk whenever possible. While she recommend daily walks, especially for beginners, the key is to push yourself whenever you can, gradually building up your routine.

• Feed Your Mind: The Importance of Knowledge

Having a strong source of knowledge has been invaluable. Whether it’s a person, a book, a podcast, or a skill you’re learning, having something that keeps you engaged and prevents you from indulging in unproductive activities is crucial. Sitting idle is a big red flag in one-self.

Zumna’s self-care routine offers valuable tips that can be adapted to fit your individual needs and preferences. Remember, consistency is key. By incorporating these practices into your daily life, you can cultivate a self-care routine that promotes mental well-being and empowers you to live a more fulfilling life.

Zumna Ijaz is an inspiring example of someone who has overcome mental health challenges. Her story and her message of hope and resilience are a beacon of light for others who may be struggling. By sharing her experiences and promoting self-care, goal setting, and faith, Zumna is helping to raise awareness about mental health and empower others to seek help.

Follow her on Instagram @zumnaijaz, You’ll find a treasure trove of inspirational quotes, stories of resilience, and practical self-care tips to illuminate your own path to mental well-being.