Navigating the Depths: Understanding Depression in Light of Islamic Teachings

Abstract

Everyone experiences moments of sadness. However, depression is more than that. Extreme sadness or despair lasting longer than a few days is called depression. It obstructs day-today activities and might result in physical symptoms including pain, gain or loss of weight, irregular sleep patterns, or low energy. In addition to these symptoms, depression can also cause difficulty focusing, feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness, and recurring suicidal thoughts. The most prevalent mental health condition is depression. Thankfully, depression is curable. Antidepressant medicine taken in addition to therapy can aid in recovery. Depression can arise from a multitude of variables, such as genetic, environmental, psychological, and physiological ones.
A person is more likely to develop depression if they have trauma, significant life changes, stress, a family history of depression, certain physical disorders (including diabetes, cancer, or Parkinson's disease), or as a side effect of certain medications. Men and women may experience depression in various ways, with differences seen in the symptoms they exhibit and coping mechanisms they employ. Men and women alike, for example, may exhibit symptoms other than depression, such as appearing agitated or irritable. Some people experience physical symptoms in the form of headaches, stomach difficulties, tightness in the chest, or racing heart. When it comes to these bodily problems, males are more likely than women to visit a doctor. Men are more prone than women to use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism, even though greater use of these substances can indicate depression in anybody.