Tackling Youth Suicides and Mental Health in Kashmir

As per WHO Globally, close to 800 000 people die by suicide every year; that’s one person every 40 seconds.

For each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

The report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), published in December 2023, revealed that Jammu and Kashmir had the highest number of reported cases of attempted suicide in 2022. Of the 1,769 cases recorded by the Bureau across India in 2022, 497 were reported from the UT alone.

In Kashmir, the situation is particularly concerning, with a rising number of suicide incidents among young people. As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, it's essential to acknowledge the root causes of this crisis and work towards creating a society that supports and uplifts its most vulnerable members.

In today's fast-paced world, challenges abound, and social conditions are constantly changing. Gone are the days when parents would enquire about their child's daily life; now, social media dominates our attention, leaving children to navigate their struggles alone. Modern life's pressures and undue expectations from parents can be overwhelming, leading to mental trauma, depression, and suicidal tendencies.

In Kashmir, the focus on limited career paths, such as qualifying for civil services or becoming a doctor, can be suffocating. Parents often push their children to pursue these fields, regardless of their interests, seeking prestige and fulfillment of their own unmet ambitions. This can lead to a lifetime of mental trauma, even if the child succeeds in their chosen field.

As a doctor, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of exposure to inappropriate internet content, drug addiction, and the pressure to succeed. It's heartbreaking to see young people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts.

However, in Kashmir, we still have a chance to make a difference. Our conservative society, where values are respected, can be a strength in addressing this crisis. We must return to basics, embracing simple living and high thinking. Materialism must give way to a healthier society where nobody feels compelled to take extreme measures like suicide.

To achieve this, we need to:

- Enhance social support for vulnerable groups

- Encourage parents to fulfill their responsibilities

- Engage teachers and religious preachers in awareness and support efforts

- Broaden our zakat system to address poverty

- Leverage clinical psychologists and psychiatrists to spread awareness and help those in need

Let us come together to create a society that supports and uplifts all its members. As the couplet goes:

"Nasha pila k girana tou sabko aata hai,

Mazaa tou tab hai ki girtay ko thaam lai saki" -

( Falling is something everyone can do, but the true pleasure lies in being able to catch those who are falling.)

Let us catch those who are falling and create a safety net of support, compassion, and understanding.

Dr Mohammad Younis is MO, Block Shopian