Understanding Depression and Anxiety in the Modern Era: Psychological and Islamic Perspectives on Causes and Treatment

Abstract

Depression and anxiety are two most prevalent mental diseases of the contemporary era. They are addressed here in terms of their psychological and physiological causation, their causation through social, religious, and behavioral causation, and efficacy of contemporary therapy and Islamic religious interventions. The research integrates available scholarly literature and Islamic religious scholarship, i.e., Islamic scriptural and customary ones, to conceptualize mental health in its totality. The methods employed are qualitative thematic analysis of religious literature and scripture. One of the conclusions, it is made clear by the research that although psychological and physiological states like neurotransmitter imbalance and trauma are the etiologies, spiritual deficits like drifting away from God and prayer are the root contributory factors. Islamic religious practices of daily prayer (salat), charity (zakat), and dependence on dua (supplication) may grossly overestimate symptoms. This research adds to a rich, enriched history of mental health integrating science and religion.