Symptoms

There are certain signs and symptoms that could help identify if you are afflicted. These fall into two categories, ‘Physical’ and ‘Dreams’ (nightmares).

COMMON PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS:

A person may experience severe pain that feels sharp, electric, or stabbing, often centered at the back of the head and neck, radiating upwards toward the scalp. There may also be a tight, heavy feeling across the neck and shoulders, as well as discomfort between the shoulder blades or in the lower back.

Some feel intense chest pressure—like a weight pressing down, a squeezing sensation, or even a crushing type of pain. Legs can feel drained or tired, and the knees may feel unstable or weak. Numbness or tingling sensations in the arms and legs are also common, alongside digestive discomfort such as bloating and abdominal pain. Other symptoms include excessive sweating, unexplained skin crawling sensations (like bugs beneath the skin), and difficulty losing weight despite regular physical activity.

ADDITIONAL POINTS FOR WOMEN:

For women, sharp chest pain may occur either behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest. Some report dull, sometimes severe aches beneath the right rib, or discomfort around the belly button and groin area. Periods may be unusually heavy or prolonged. Another disturbing sign is feeling sexually stimulated without any physical cause or interaction, which can also apply to men.

DREAMS / NIGHTMARES:

- Falling from a high place

- Being chased by dogs, snakes, or other beasts

- You are flying

- Cemeteries, graveyards, dead people

- Swimming under the sea

- Trying to run but feel a force pulling, running in slow motion

- Destruction, Tsunami, Judgment Day

- Sexually abused (same applies to men)

OTHER SYMPTOMS:

The person may start to withdraw from others or isolate themselves. They may struggle to perform Salah, or feel a heavy burden in the head or chest, especially during sujood. They may rush their prayer or feel something unseen touching them. Other signs include sensing a shadowy presence, hearing strange sounds or voices, and facing continuous obstacles in marriage, education, or work.

Physical signs can appear without explanation, such as mysterious cuts or bruises. Emotional symptoms may include bursts of anger, sudden mood swings, sadness without a clear reason, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, and an inability to focus or stay motivated.