What is Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Suppose a person has gone through a traumatic event — for example, an accident late at night, on dark roads. Naturally, this causes post-traumatic symptoms and leads to extreme anxiety. On the other hand, someone facing a minor inconvenience in life may casually claim to be “depressed,” not fully understanding what the term actually means.
We often see these terms being used interchangeably and without proper knowledge, which diminishes the experiences of those who genuinely suffer from these mental health disturbances. Many times, especially in the Muslim world, we observe people mislabeling themselves or others regarding their psychological condition.
A student under severe academic pressure may describe themselves as “severely depressed.” But is that an accurate label? Are we casually using these terms without understanding their seriousness?
It’s important to understand the true meanings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Let’s look at each of these three terms in more detail.
Stress
Stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension resulting from a difficult situation. It is a natural human response that prompts us to deal with challenges and perceived threats in our lives (World Health Organization, 2023).
Stress refers to anything that causes psychological or emotional pressure — the feeling that one must do or face something difficult. In most cases, once the hardship or trigger passes, the stress naturally subsides.
Anxiety
Anxiety is the fear of uncertainty. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), anxiety is an emotion characterized by apprehension and physical symptoms of tension, often involving the anticipation of impending danger, catastrophe, or misfortune (APA, n.d.).
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders (APA, DSM-5)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Excessive, ongoing worry about everyday matters (e.g., health, work, relationships). - Agoraphobia:
Fear of places where escape might be difficult (crowds, public transport, enclosed or open spaces). - Panic Disorder:
Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, often with physical symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations, dizziness). - Specific Phobias:
Intense fear of specific objects or situations (e.g., heights, animals, needles) that disrupt daily life. - Social Anxiety Disorder:
Deep fear of being judged or embarrassed in social or performance situations. - Separation Anxiety Disorder:
Excessive fear or distress when separated from someone emotionally attached (seen in children and adults).
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities, which affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It often involves feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, helplessness, and an inability to feel happiness (APA, as cited in Obeidat, 2022).
A common sign of depression is continually ruminating on past events. A depressed
person may feel as though they don’t connect with those in the present because they’re
still living in the past. They feel different or distant from all those around them and often
feel like no one can understand.
Common Types of Depression (APA, DSM-5)
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
Persistent low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness (lasting 2+ weeks). - Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD):
Chronic, mild-to-moderate depression lasting at least two years, often with low energy and self-esteem. - Bipolar Disorder (Depressive Episode):
Alternating episodes of depression and mania/hypomania; depressive phases mirror MDD symptoms. - Postpartum Depression (PPD):
Severe depression occurring during or after childbirth, with mood swings and detachment from the baby. - Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
Severe mood symptoms (irritability, sadness) occurring before menstruation. - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Depression related to seasonal light changes, often during winter months. - Atypical Depression:
Depression marked by overeating, oversleeping, and mood reactivity (feeling better briefly after positive events).
Islamic Perspective On Stress, Anxiety & Depression.
Now that we’ve explored the clinical definitions, let’s understand how Islamic literature approaches these emotional states
- Al-Hamm- The anxiety which one feels due to the uncertainty relating to future events.
The Prophet ﷺ used to supplicate, saying:
“O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from worry and grief…”
[Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2893, 5425, 6363, 6369)]
- Al-Ḥuzn (sadness or depression) is of two types:
- One with known causes — such as the loss of a loved one, bankruptcy, or losing something valuable.
- One with no apparent reason — a sudden affliction of sorrow and distress (ghummah) that persists constantly, preventing the person from physical activity, enjoyment, or showing happiness.
According to Al-Dunya (1991), sadness or depression in Arabic can be explained using the term ḥamm, which also appears in the plural as humoom, meaning ḥuzn or aḥzān (sadness). Hamm refers to giving emphasis or high importance to a thought above others, also referred to as ihtimam, which keeps the mind occupied and can lead to anxiety and sadness.
Interestingly, both ḥamm and ḥuzn are used to describe sadness, but in different contexts:
- Hamm refers to discomfort about something that may happen in the future.
- Ḥuzn refers to discomfort or sorrow about something that has already happened.
Also, Ibn al-Qayyim said:
“There are three passive feelings which affect the heart:
1) If it is related to the past, then it causes al-Hazn (sorrow/distress).
2) If it is related to the future, then it causes al-Hamm (anxiety/worry).
3) If it is related to the present, then it causes al-Ghamm (grief).”
[al-Fawaaid (1/26)]
Western vs. Arabic/Islamic Perspectives on Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Aspect
Western Psychological Literature
Arabic / Islamic Classical Literature
Terminology
Stress, Anxiety, Depression (DSM-5, APA)
Ḥamm (future worry), Ḥuzn (past sorrow), Ghummah (deep sorrow), Iḥtimām (mental preoccupation), Al-Balā’ (trial/stress)
Definition of Stress
A natural reaction to external pressure or difficult situations; often short-term
Al-Balā’ – hardship or worldly test; no specific word for “stress,” but implied in trials and pressure
Definition of Anxiety
A state of uneasiness and excessive fear about uncertain future outcomes
Al-Ḥamm – mental burden or anxiety due to future uncertainties
Definition of Depression
A persistent mood disorder involving sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest
Al-Ḥuzn – grief over past events
Ghummah – deep sorrow without a known cause
Case Study Illustration
Scenario: A young woman is going through a divorce. She might experience any one of the following states:
State
Arabic Term
Manifestation
A. Stress
Al-Balā’
If she feels overwhelmed by the legal process, family expectations, or societal judgment.
B. Anxiety
Al-Ḥamm
If she constantly worries about future consequences — finances, reputation, or the possibility of remarrying.
C. Depression
Al-Ghummah / Al-Ḥuzn
If she begins to feel persistently sad, hopeless, withdrawn, emotionally numb, and detached from daily life.
Note: She may experience any one, a combination, or none of these states — depending on her coping ability, support system, and spiritual-emotional resilience.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/search?q=Anxiety+according+to+APA
Obeidat, H. M. (2022). The Relationship between Social Support and Psychological Wellbeing among University Students. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 10(2), 1–14. https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=112106
World Health Organization. (2023). Stress. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/stress
American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). Anxiety disorders: Causes, symptoms, treatment & types. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
Verywell Mind. (n.d.). 7 most common types of depression. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://www.verywellmind.com/common-types-of-depression-1067313
Ilm4All. (n.d.). Definition: al-Hamm, al-Hazn, al-Ghamm. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://ilm4all.com/definition-al-hamm-al-hazn-al-ghamm/