“Hopelessness is Always a LIE” (ft. Psychiatrist Dr Zeyn Green-Thompson)

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

Support the show

🌟 Support Our Mission 🌟

To extend the reach of our impactful content, kindly consider making a contribution (www.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 www.instagram.com/islam21c
👍 Facebook www.facebook.com/islam21c
🐦 Twitter www.twitter.com/islam21c
🗨️ Telegram t.me/islam21c

Thank you for your continued support and engagement.