“Hopelessness is Always a LIE” - Dr Zeyn Green-Thompson

Video Description

In this powerful episode of OnGuard by Islam21c, Hamza Andreas Tzortzis sits down with Dr Zeyn Green-Thompson, a medical doctor and psychiatrist, for an honest and profoundly moving conversation on mental health, hope, and the Muslim experience. Together, they explore some of the most difficult and often unspoken topics in our communities, including depression, hopelessness, and s**cidal ideation. Dr Zeyn brings rare clarity by combining clinical psychiatry with an Islamic worldview, showing how īmān, meaning, and responsibility can reshape the way we understand suffering and recovery. This discussion goes beyond labels and quick fixes. We talk about: * What hopelessness really means from a clinical perspective * Why despair is central to s**cidal intent * The biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of mental health * How Islamic concepts such as duty, patience, humility, and hope offer practical protection * How Muslims should approach others who are struggling, with empathy rather than harshness * Why listening matters more than giving blanket advice Dr Zeyn also shares real clinical insights from his work in psychiatry, reflecting on how timeless Islamic principles can be communicated in ways that help both Muslims and non-Muslims. This is not just an intellectual discussion. It is personal, reflective, and deeply human. Whether you are struggling yourself, supporting someone else, or simply want a more grounded way to think about mental wellbeing, this conversation is essential viewing. Chapters: 00:00 – Why This Episode Is Different 02:59 – S**cide & Mental Health in the Muslim Community 06:29 – What Is Hopelessness, Clinically Speaking? 10:04 – The Critical Shift: From Ideation to Intent 13:09 – “Hopelessness Is Always a Lie” 16:34 – When Depression Overwhelms Rational Thought 19:39 – Biology, Psychology & Social Triggers Explained 22:54 – Why Muslims Must Add the Spiritual Dimension 25:54 – Duty, Not Outcomes: A Powerful Mental Framework 29:04 – Why This Approach Works for Non-Muslims Too 31:54 – A Personal Childhood Story of Shame & Isolation 35:14 – How to Speak to Someone Who Is Struggling 38:24 – The Prophetic Method of Compassionate Guidance (ﷺ) 41:54 – When Religion Becomes Harsh or Hollow 45:24 – What the Muslim Community Needs to Relearn 48:34 – Final Reflections: Hope as an Act of Truth 50:54 – Faith, Capacity & Moral Responsibility 54:14 – When Someone Is Not Sinning, But Suffering 57:34 – Why Shaming Worsens Mental Health 1:00:24 – Cultural Blind Spots in Muslim Communities 1:03:34 – Parents, Children & Emotional Safety 1:06:54 – Masculinity, Suppression & Emotional Neglect 1:10:24 – Trauma, Memory & the Developing Mind 1:14:14 – Why “Just Be Strong” Fails People 1:17:34 – How to Create Safe Muslim Spaces 1:21:04 – Advice for Imams, Teachers & Community Leaders 1:24:34 – Clinical Help, Therapy & Medication 1:28:04 – Trusting Treatment While Trusting Allah (ﷻ) 1:31:24 – Preventing Crisis Before It Happens 1:34:54 – What Gives Life Meaning During Suffering 1:38:24 – Hope Without False Promises 1:41:54 – Final Message to Those Who Feel Alone 1:44:54 – Closing Reflections & Duʿāʾ 🌟 Support Our Mission 🌟 To extend the reach of our impactful content, kindly consider making a contribution (https://islam21c.com/guardians). Your support helps us make a difference. 👇 Stay Connected & Never Miss an Update 👇 1️⃣ Subscribe: Hit the 'Subscribe' button and don't forget to ring the 🔔 bell, ensuring you'll be the first to know when we upload fresh content. 2️⃣ Social Media: Stay up-to-date and join the conversation on our social media platforms: 📸 Instagram https://instagram.com/islam21c 👍 Facebook https://facebook.com/islam21c 𝕏 X https://twitter.com/islam21c 🗨️ Telegram https://t.me/islam21c Thank you for your continued support and engagement.