Time to wake up

Mental health is a crucial issue that deserves open and honest conversation. As a college student, I observe the young teens around me—boys and girls who are not just classmates, but the future and very foundation of our society. Yet behind many of their eyes, I see silent struggles and battles that no one talks about.

Surveys conducted by the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) of India and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have shed light on the growing mental health concerns in our region. The findings are deeply alarming. In particular, MSF’s 2015 study revealed that the percentage of people facing mental health issues in rural Kashmir is significantly higher than in urban areas.

According to MSF’s latest survey, 11% of Kashmiri adults reported using benzodiazepines—a class of anti-anxiety drugs. Suicidal thoughts were reported by 12% of respondents. Even more concerning symptoms of probable depression were found in 41% of the population, which translates to nearly 1.6 million people. Anxiety-related disorders were identified in 26%, while 19% showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

These statistics were further confirmed by an epidemiological study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College, Srinagar, in collaboration with other institutions. Their research concluded that around 11.3% of adults in the Kashmir Valley suffer from some form of mental illness. Depressive disorders were the most commonly reported (8.4%), followed by anxiety disorders (5.1%).

So why are mental health cases rising so sharply in Kashmir? And more importantly, why is society still so reluctant to talk about it?

One major reason is silence. Mental health is still a taboo topic in many families. People hesitate to open up, fearing judgment or dismissal. Conversations around emotional well-being are rare, especially among older generations who were never taught to acknowledge their mental struggles. As a result, those suffering are often left to face their pain in isolation.

Another critical issue is the lack of access to treatment. Mental healthcare facilities are either too few or too far, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. Even when help is available, the stigma around seeking therapy or psychiatric support often discourages people from reaching out.

This crisis demands a response that begins at home. Families need to become more emotionally available and supportive. Instead of brushing aside emotional issues or pretending everything is fine, parents and elders must create safe spaces where young people feel heard, understood, and accepted. This means listening without judgment, showing genuine concern and being emotionally present.

In many homes today, the focus is solely on working hard and building financial security. While those goals are important, something vital is being lost in the process—love, warmth and emotional connection. The kind of support that once made homes feel safe and comforting is slowly disappearing. As a result, young people often turn to social media or unhealthy coping mechanisms in search of connection and validation.

Unfortunately, even outside the home, they rarely find the safe spaces they seek. Schools and colleges, which should offer emotional support systems are often too focused on academic performance. Friends may be battling their own struggles and mental health discussions remain limited or superficial.

This isolation and emotional neglect build up over time, turning into anxiety, depression and in many cases, substance abuse. The numbers we see today are just the tip of the iceberg—many cases remain undiagnosed and untreated.

We must understand that by ignoring mental health, we are paying a heavy price. What we are losing is not just peace within our homes, but peace within ourselves. The long-term consequences of untreated mental health issues affect education, relationships, work and society at large. Avoiding this issue may feel easy at the moment, but the cost we’re paying is far too high for our families, our youth, and our future.

It’s time we broke the silence. It’s time we made emotional well-being as much of a priority as physical health and financial security. If we want a stronger Kashmir, we need stronger minds and that starts with care, conversation, and compassion.