Opinion | When Comfort Fails to Bring Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, people openly discuss physical health, but mental health often remains hidden in silence. Many still treat stress, depression, and anxiety as weaknesses rather than real health conditions. This silence has created a stigma that stops people from asking for help. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Raising awareness is the first step to breaking the stigma.

Why are mental health issues rising despite material comfort?

Mental health has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Despite material comfort and technological advancement, such as endless social media scrolling, Netflix bingeing, and online gaming, millions silently struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders.

Before addressing the causes of mental health problems, we must first understand what mental health means. According to the WHO, “Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, work well, and contribute to their community.”

Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It is about thriving, finding balance, and living with emotional resilience. It is the foundation of happiness, productivity, and healthy relationships.

Why is our mental health under threat?

Our mental health is shaped by a complex web of factors that interact across individual, social, and structural levels. Individual vulnerabilities, socio-economic pressure, and early life trauma, such as harsh parenting, bullying, low emotional resilience, or substance abuse, all contribute to poor mental health.

Many studies show that negative experiences during early childhood can leave long-lasting scars on mental well-being. This issue goes beyond individuals. It extends across society and structural systems.

Individual level:
Mental health disorders arise from a blend of biological, psychological, and behavioral factors.

Biologically, genetic predisposition, neurotransmitter changes, and hormonal imbalances increase vulnerability.

When these combine with stress, symptoms can worsen.

Psychologically, helplessness and passive coping strategies amplify depression, especially in chronic illness.

Structurally, factors like poverty, living conditions, and intense competition increase mental distress.

I personally feel immense pressure due to these structural complexities. Despite giving my full energy and dedication, I have not been able to succeed. This ongoing struggle has created a heavy burden of stress and depression within me. I find it difficult to channel these emotions in a healthy way.

My situation is not unique. Millions of students across the country face the same challenges. Unfortunately, most ignore these issues or fail to recognize that they are dealing with serious mental health conditions. This sense of hopelessness pushes many aspirants deeper into depression and anxiety, leaving them trapped in a cycle of uncertainty and despair.

The right kind of socialization:
Humans are social beings. Healthy socialization helps regulate emotions and reduces stress. Building real-world friendships promotes empathy and belonging. Participating in community initiatives limits online isolation. Strong family and community bonds provide emotional security.

Religion and spirituality:
Religion gives meaning and coping strength in times of crisis. In a Muslim-majority society, practicing Muslims emphasize tawakkul (trust in Allah), shukr (gratitude), and sakinah (inner peace), which act as psychological buffers. Research shows that regular prayer lowers cortisol levels, zikrullah reduces anxiety, and faith increases emotional stability.

Meditation and mindfulness:
Meditation is scientifically proven to rewire the brain. According to Harvard research, eight weeks of meditation can reduce anxiety by up to 60 percent and improve overall well-being. By integrating such practices, we can pull ourselves out of depression and anxiety and create a balanced, fulfilling life.

Emotional and physical connection:
Mental health largely depends on emotional balance and peace of mind. When the mind is disturbed, it directly affects the body. A troubled mind can lead to stress, fatigue, weak immunity, and even physical illness. Poor mental health does not stay limited to thoughts and feelings. It affects every part of life, including the body, behavior, and relationships.

Biological changes:
Changes in brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine affect mood and emotions. Constant sadness and racing thoughts create a storm inside. Loss of hope is a strong sign. Things that once brought joy—friends, hobbies, studies, or daily activities—start feeling meaningless.

A person may know they are capable, but depression builds a wall between them and their abilities. Depression whispers:
“You are nothing.”
“Your efforts don’t matter.”
“Why even try?”

This state makes people doubt their worth. They forget their achievements and strengths. Even brilliant students or successful workers can feel useless and empty when trapped in depression. Depression steals motivation, hope, and energy. It blinds a person to their qualities. It drains joy from their work.

Depression disconnects people from their potential. It attacks not the brain’s intelligence but the heart’s hope.

Depression in the Islamic perspective:
Islam recognizes sadness (huzn) as a natural part of life but never leaves a believer without solutions. Depression can be seen as a test of the soul, where the whispers of Shaytan try to drag a person into despair and away from Allah.

Even Prophet Muhammad SAW (peace be upon him) went through deep grief, such as during the “Year of Sorrow,” showing that sadness is part of life. But Islam teaches believers not to let grief turn into hopelessness.

Islam encourages seeking both spiritual and medical help. Taking care of the mind and body is part of our trust (amanah). Depression may feel heavy, but it is not permanent. Just as the darkest night ends with dawn, every hardship ends with relief.

Allah promises in the Quran:
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.”

Author is a Class 12th at Govt. Higher Secondary School, Qalamabad (Handwara).