Stress And Depression: The Results Of Not Abiding By Islam

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STRESS AND DEPRESSION: THE RESULTS OF NOT ABIDING BY THE RELIGION

"But if anyone turns away from My reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one..." (Qur'an, 20:124)

When Allah desires to guide someone, He expands his breast to Islam. When He desires to misguide someone, He makes his breast narrow and constricted as if he were climbing up into the sky. That is how Allah defiles those who have no faith. (Qur'an, 6:125)

The failure of irreligious people in submitting themselves to Allah causes them to be in a constant state of ill-ease, anxiety and stress. As a consequence, they are afflicted by various psychological illnesses which reveal themselves in their physical selves. Their bodies wear down more quickly, and they age rapidly and degenerate.


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As a result of physical or psychological stress, the individual’s adrenal gland (the gland above each kidney) secretes large amounts of glucocorticoid hormones. These hormones increase the energy level of muscles, and temporarily halt such activities as growth—which are inessential at that moment. In cases of extreme physical and chronic psychological stress these hormones, which are otherwise of vital importance, can give rise to stress related disorders, such as high blood pressure, obesity, bone erosion and stomach ulcers.

However, since believers are psychologically healthy, they do not fall prey to stress, or despondence, and their bodies are ever fit and healthy. The positive effects of their submitting to Allah, their trust in Him and fortitude, looking for the good in all things, and accepting what happens with the hope of His promise, are reflected in their physical selves. This, of course, applies only to those who live by the moral values of the Qur'an, and who truly comprehend the religion. Of course, they may fall ill and eventually grow old, but this natural process does not involve the psychological breakdown it does in others.

Stress and depression, regarded as the diseases of our time, not only cause psychological harm, but also manifests themselves in various physical defects. The common stress and depression-related problems are some forms of mental illness, drug addiction, insomnia, skin, stomach and blood pressure disorders, colds, migraines, a number of bone diseases, kidney imbalances, respiratory difficulties, allergies, heart attacks, and brain swelling. Of course, stress and depression are not the only causes of these, but it has been scientifically proven that the origins of problems such as these are usually psychological.

Stress, which afflicts so many, is a state of mental anxiety caused by such feelings as fear, insecurity, overexcitement, worry and other pressures, that damages the body's equilibrium. When people become victims of stress, their bodies react and sound the alarm, and various biochemical reactions in the body are initiated: The level of adrenaline in the bloodstream rises; energy consumption and bodily reactions reach their maximum levels; sugar, cholesterol and fatty acids are deposited into the bloodstream; blood pressure rises and the pulse accelerates. When glucose is sent to the brain, cholesterol levels rise, and that all spells trouble for the body.

Because chronic stress, in particular, alters the normal functions of the body, it can cause serious harm. Due to stress, adrenalin and cortisol levels in the body rise to abnormal levels. Long-term increases in cortisol levels lead to the premature appearance of disorders such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, ulcers, respiratory diseases, eczema and psoriasis. The effects of high cortisol levels may even include the killing off of brain cells. The disorders caused by stress are described as follows in one source:

There is an important relationship between stress and the tension and pain it gives rise to. The tension caused by stress leads to narrowing of the arteries, disruption of the flow of blood to certain regions of the head and a reduction in the amount of blood flowing to that region. If a tissue is deprived of blood this leads directly to pain, because a tense tissue on one side probably requiring greater amounts of blood and on the other side already having insufficient blood supply stimulates special pain receptors. At the same time substances such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, which affect the nervous system during stress, are secreted. These directly or indirectly increase and accelerate the tension in the muscles. Thus pain leads to tension, tension to anxiety, and anxiety intensifies pain.81

However, one of the most detrimental effects of stress is heart attacks. Research shows that aggressive, nervous, anxious, impatient, competitive, hostile and irritable people have a much higher incidence of heart attacks than people less inclined to these traits.82

The reason for this is that extreme stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, initiated by the hypothalamus, also causes excessive secretion of insulin, and therefore the accumulation of insulin in the blood. This is a matter of vital importance. Because, none of the conditions that lead to coronary heart disease play such a definitive and harmful role as excess insulin in the blood.83

Scientists have recognized that the higher the level of stress, the more the positive effects of the red cells in the blood are weakened. According to an experiment developed by Linda Naylor, head of the Oxford University's technology transfer company, the negative effect of stress levels on the immune system can now be measured.

There is a close relationship between stress and the immune system. Physiological stress has an important effect on the immune system and results in its deterioration. When under stress, the brain increases production of the cortisol hormone in the body, which weakens the immune system. To put it another way, there is a direct relationship between the brain, the immune system and hormones. Experts in the field state:

Studies on psychological or physical stress have revealed that at times of intense stress there is a fall in immunity response linked to the hormonal balance. It is known that the emergence and strength of many illnesses including cancer is linked to stress.84

In short, stress harms a human being's natural equilibrium. Constant exposure to this abnormal condition impairs the body's health, and leads to a wide variety of disorders. Experts classify the negative effects of stress on the human body under the following basic categories:

Anxiety and Panic: A feeling that events are spiralling out of control

Constantly increasing perspiration

Voice changes: Stammering, trembling speech

Hyperactivity: Sudden explosions of energy, weak diabetic control

Sleeping difficulty: Nightmares

Skin diseases: Spots, acne, fever, psoriasis and eczema

Gastrointestinal indications: Indigestion, nausea, ulcers

Muscular tension: Grinding or locking teeth, aches in the jaw, back, neck and shoulders

Low intensity infections: Colds etc.

Migraine

Palpitations, chest pain, high blood pressure

Kidney imbalances, holding water

Respiratory disorders, shortness of breath

Allergies

Joint pains

Dry mouth and throat

Heart attack

Weakening of the immune system

Shrinkage in the brain region

Feelings of guilt and lack of self-confidence

Confusion, inability to analyse correctly, poor thinking ability, weak memory

Extreme pessimism, believing that everything is going badly

Difficulty in moving or staying still, constant rhythm beating

Inability to concentrate or difficulty in so doing

Irritability, extreme sensitivity

Irrationality

Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

Loss of or increased appetite

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The fact that those who fail to abide by religious moral values experience "stress" is revealed by Allah in the Qur'an:

"But if anyone turns away from My reminder, his life will be a dark and narrow one…" (Qur'an, 20:124)

In another verse, Allah has revealed that "… the earth became narrow for them, for all its great breadth, and their own selves became constricted for them and they realised that there was no refuge from Allah except in Him…" (Qur'an, 9:118)

This "dark and narrow" life, or stress, to give it the current name, is the outcome of non-believers' failure to abide by the moral values imparted by faith. Today, doctors maintain that a calm and self-assured composure are essential for protection from the effects of stress. A calm and peaceful disposition is only possible by living according to the Qur'an. Indeed, it has been revealed in many verses of the Qur'an that Allah imparts "serenity" upon the believers. (Qur'an, 2:248, 9:26, 40, 48:4, 18) Our Lord's promise to the faithful has been revealed as follows:

Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Qur'an, 16:97)

Source:

http://www.miraclesofthequran.com
http://www.theinimitablequran.com/
 
O mankind! there hath come to you a direction from your Lord and a healing for the (diseases) in your hearts,- and for those who believe, a guidance and a Mercy. [010:057]
 
Salamualikum

Masha'Allaah!! a good read indeed!

Islam is the best!

Ma'assalama
 
i disagree, i dont see how those that follow islam or dont are going to suffer from stress anymore or less. I think i would probably be a lot more stressed if i thought there was some god judging my everymove and personally concerned about my sex life. Its bad enough we have goverments like that.
 
:sl:
i disagree, i dont see how those that follow islam or dont are going to suffer from stress anymore or less. I think i would probably be a lot more stressed if i thought there was some god judging my everymove and personally concerned about my sex life. Its bad enough we have goverments like that.
Muahaha, I saw that coming a mile off. I was waiting for it too. Mainly so I could do the following:

Firstly, the content of the post is meant for muslims.

Secondly, it does not mean that non-muslims will not suffer from depression or stress.

Lastly, the point being made is that for muslims that do not abide by the Islamic rulings do feel emptiness inside which leads to stress and depression - I know this from personal experience so I'd appreciate it if people did not attempt a refutation :). Tho, since you're not a muslim you won't have had this experience and will not be able to relate to it, hence part of the reason for your post.
 
:sl:

Muahaha, I saw that coming a mile off. I was waiting for it too. Mainly so I could do the following:

Firstly, the content of the post is meant for muslims.

Secondly, it does not mean that non-muslims will not suffer from depression or stress.

Lastly, the point being made is that for muslims that do not abide by the Islamic rulings do feel emptiness inside which leads to stress and depression - I know this from personal experience so I'd appreciate it if people did not attempt a refutation :). Tho, since you're not a muslim you won't have had this experience and will not be able to relate to it, hence part of the reason for your post.
this is the science section thanks.
You are not the poster of the OP.
This part seems to suggest that this OP was targeting all.
The failure of irreligious people in submitting themselves to Allah causes them to be in a constant state of ill-ease, anxiety and stress
 
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if you were so at ease you would not be here seeking to impress and be a constant nuisance

stress has a real useful function, without it self defence mechanism of body wont be triggered and without anxiety there will be no caution only recklessness..... depression is all-together something else and can be a result of being at war with God.
 
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if you were so at ease you would not be here seeking to impress and be a constant nuisance

stress has a real useful function, without it self defence mechanism of body wont be triggered and without anxiety there will be no caution only recklessness..... depression is all-together something else and can be a result of being at war with God.

Or a chemical imbalance.

The OP is just based on anecedotal info.
 
:sl:
....
This part seems to suggest that this OP was targeting all.
The failure of irreligious people in submitting themselves to Allah causes them to be in a constant state of ill-ease, anxiety and stress
To a certain extent that is true. Can any student of psychology please stand up. Oh that will be me then.

Stress, which can and does lead to depression, is caused by a lack of control. Religious folk believe that God maintains control over pretty much everything, so when things don't go our way we just say ''It was in the hands of God'' (hands being used in a metaphorical sense) - non religious folk that do not believe in God think ''Dang it, why is it acid raining?! Curse those swedish jerks and their power plants..argg" etc. This leads to stress over the situation.

To put it simpler, control freaks get stressed because they believe in complete internal forms of control. i.e they control everything (not saying that all non religious folk are control freaks, but since they do not believe in God they still have internal form of control). Whereas, religious folk are less inclined to think this way since they believe in God (or an almighty figure who controls all etc). Though, this is not to say that religious people do not get stressed, rather religion reduces stress in certain circumstances.

Thus, from this perspective, the article is telling the truth. I just wished the author would have included the above explanation in his original article or atleast some sort of research and findings into it, you know to give it that umph factor.

Still, I had fun.
 
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i disagree, i dont see how those that follow islam or dont are going to suffer from stress anymore or less. I think i would probably be a lot more stressed if i thought there was some god judging my everymove and personally concerned about my sex life. Its bad enough we have goverments like that.

yes you would think that, wouldnt you?!

but guess what, your incorrect, yes we will be scared and fearful of Allaah but not stressed (wont go crazy, white haired at a young age or depressed) obeying Allaah brings contentment, a contentment never felt through any other action... We keep our fears balanced with hope and thus enjoy contentment...


Peace, may Allaah guide you
 
:salamext:

you know, stress can be a good thing too.

Healthy stress can motivate you to do better and work harder. Without healthy stress you'll become someone that is too contented and will not work hard enough.

actually it is about managing stress. How you handle stress? How you cope with stress? How you minimise the stress? And islam has ways of managing stress. Not to forget the continuous improvement system and living life in the most efficient way but with minimal resourcess.

Just my two cents
 
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^ i think this is what you mean sis:

With regard to thinking a great deal about everything and worrying about every problem, this is to some extent a natural thing, so long as it does not prevent you from living your lives in a natural manner. What I mean here is, is this thinking helping you to come up with solutions to these problems that you are facing? Do these situations deserve all the time that you are spending on thinking about them? If the answer is yes, then there is no problem! But if the answer is no, then you yourself are admitting that they do not warrant that, and then you are halfway to solving the problem, which is to identify the problem and take a decision concerning it. Because when we know what the problem is, it is easy for us to find the right way of dealing with it.

http://www.islamqa.com/index.php?ref=20130&ln=eng&txt=worrying


Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaah
 
:sl:

To a certain extent that is true. Can any student of psychology please stand up. Oh that will be me then.

Stress, which can and does lead to depression, is caused by a lack of control. Religious folk believe that God maintains control over pretty much everything, so when things don't go our way we just say ''It was in the hands of God'' (hands being used in a metaphorical sense) - non religious folk that do not believe in God think ''Dang it, why is it acid raining?! Curse those swedish jerks and their power plants..argg" etc. This leads to stress over the situation.

To put it simpler, control freaks get stressed because they believe in complete internal forms of control. i.e they control everything (not saying that all non religious folk are control freaks, but since they do not believe in God they still have internal form of control). Whereas, religious folk are less inclined to think this way since they believe in God (or an almighty figure who controls all etc). Though, this is not to say that religious people do not get stressed, rather religion reduces stress in certain circumstances.

Thus, from this perspective, the article is telling the truth. I just wished the author would have included the above explanation in his original article or atleast some sort of research and findings into it, you know to give it that umph factor.

Still, I had fun.
so do you take medicine? do you go to the doctor ? or do let god take care of it? And i would hope you try to solve the acid rain problem rather than let it continue. You might be "stress free" but that amounts to not carring while your house burns down around you. . Nope im fine its gods plan... etc...

I do agree that religion can reduce stress in certain circumstances. So can not being religous. The point it not being religious doesnt cause anything unusuall.
 
yes you would think that, wouldnt you?!

but guess what, your incorrect, yes we will be scared and fearful of Allaah but not stressed (wont go crazy, white haired at a young age or depressed) obeying Allaah brings contentment, a contentment never felt through any other action... We keep our fears balanced with hope and thus enjoy contentment...


Peace, may Allaah guide you

Why yes i would. I would think being scared and fearful would be a source of stress. As for the rest, if it works for you great, i just doubt it works magically as you mught suggest. Perhaps as a placebo but thats what they are for.
 
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:salamext:

you know, stress can be a good thing too.

Healthy stress can motivate you to do better and work harder. Without healthy stress you'll become someone that is too contented and will not work hard enough.

actually it is about managing stress. How you handle stress? How you cope with stress? How you minimise the stress? And islam has ways of managing stress. Not to forget the continuous improvement system and living life in the most efficient way but with minimal resourcess.

Just my two cents

well said.
 
Greetings,
Come again?

I think ranma is thinking of this word: placebo

Regarding the OP - I would have no difficulty in believing that religion gives people some peace of mind, but to say that stress and depression are directly caused by not being a good Muslim seems pretty baseless to me.

Peace
 
so do you take medicine? do you go to the doctor ? or do let god take care of it? And i would hope you try to solve the acid rain problem rather than let it continue. You might be "stress free" but that amounts to not carring while your house burns down around you. . Nope im fine its gods plan... etc...

I do agree that religion can reduce stress in certain circumstances. So can not being religous. The point it not being religious doesnt cause anything unusuall.

I saw that one coming too.

Obviously, there are things in your control such as moving, eating or escaping form a burning building but the fact is there are things that cannot be controlled such as earthquakes or tsunamis - a religious person is more likely to say that it is the will of God whereas a non religious or one that don't believe in God would just complain about the situation either through words or physical actions as opposed to just accepting it (of course, this does depend from person to person - but it is something that is not instilled at a young age). The point with religion is to create a balance of internal and external forms of control whereas being not religious or rather not believing in God leads you to believe in more internal forms of control i.e. control freaks. Again, this does not apply to every non-religious folk but it is less likely in religious folk.

On a related note, yes stress can be useful to human beings as it can cause motivation to perform an action so stress in and of itself is not all bad. But, if no productive action is taken as a result of stress, it is bad for humans - psychologically and physically.
 

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