Mental Health Neglect Fuels Silent Suffering in Kashmir

Behind closed doors and silent screens, a growing number of Kashmiris are losing their mental calm.

- Ayaan Saroori

A recent study revealed that 11.3 percent of adults in the region suffer from mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Women are disproportionately affected, with a rate of 12.9 percent compared to 8.4 percent of men. These numbers reflect more than individual suffering. They point to a system failing its people.

Mental health is as important as physical health. The brain governs every thought, emotion, and reaction. When its delicate balance falters, every part of life suffers. But in Kashmir, a combination of factors pushes mental illness into the shadows. The highest unemployment rate in India, over 22 percent, drives despair, especially among the youth. Few businesses survive, societal interaction is limited, and digital screens have replaced real conversations.