We are living in an era where change is happening at a rapid pace, like a fast-moving film. In the whirlwind of modern life, mental stress has become an inseparable companion. It’s like a silent killer—eroding the body from within, overwhelming the mind, and draining the soul.
Amid global conflicts, economic instability, and social decay, many feel that life itself is becoming a rehearsal for hell on Earth. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 280 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety-related disorders.
Experts say that in the past two decades, global levels of stress have risen by nearly 30%. In other words, as time passes, inner turmoil only intensifies. This raises the question: Can we live like this? Problems seem endless, and bad days always follow the good—becoming an inevitable cycle.
However, this is not the time to think negatively. Philosophers have been advising since ancient times to think positively, not negatively. Mental stress, they say, is not just destructive, but also a driving force for creation.
Psychologist Hans Selye famously said, "A life without stress becomes stagnant." But when stress levels go beyond control, it leads to destruction. Modern life is like a pressure cooker, where work is completed quickly, but if the safety valve is broken, an explosion occurs.
History tells us that behind many great achievements, there has often been a battle with intense stress. During wartime anxiety, Winston Churchill said, "Most of the worries of my life never actually happened." Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran wrote, "Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from trying to control it."
J.K. Rowling said, "It is impossible to live without failing at something." The essence of these quotes converges to one point—stress, failure, and instability are natural parts of life; how we accept them determines our future. This is why ancient scriptures consider self-realization to be the key to mental peace. Self-realization, or knowing oneself, means understanding one's limits, strengths, and weaknesses.
A person who realizes their inner world understands that stress will come and go, but they will not break. For when you conquer yourself, you can conquer everything. This self-conquest does not happen suddenly—it is a long process that keeps a person steady even in dark times.
In today's world, many are uncertain whether there is light at the end of the tunnel. The truth is, we do not know the future—only the Creator knows. No matter how much we build castles in the air, events do not always unfold as we expect. Just as the past has often amazed us—unveiling a new chapter after hardship—the same will happen in the future.
A great saying comes to mind: "The light comes from the path you cannot see." In reality, when people try to map out every path in their minds, anxiety arises. However, the Creator determines our path in His own way. Even modern science says that a major part of anxiety stems from the inability to control uncertainty.
Therefore, it is wise to not fear uncertainty, but to accept it as the natural course of life. Despite being the most advanced creatures on Earth, if we despair, it is the greatest folly. For no matter how long the tunnel may be, the light will surely come. The only question is—are you getting tired along the way, or are you afraid? During life's darkest times, this belief is the greatest refuge for people. The strength and faith given by Allah reside within each of us—the key is whether we recognize it or not.
