Author : Umair Ashraf
Kashmir’s Mental Health Crisis: A Silent Epidemic Demanding Immediate Attention
The valleys of Kashmir, renowned for their beauty and serenity, are currently being overshadowed by a mental health crisis of alarming proportions. The rising rates of suicides, substance abuse, unemployment, and associated societal issues reflect a silent epidemic, gnawing at the very foundation
of its youth. This crisis demands urgent intervention from every stakeholder, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir (JK) Police and the administration, who must collaborate with mental health professionals to tackle this growing concern effectively. The problem is not merely one of law enforcement
but of deep-seated mental health issues that need an empathetic and structured approach. A Surge in Suicides: A Grim Reality
Kashmir has witnessed an exponential increase in suicides over the past two decades, and the numbers paint a grim picture. Between 1999 and 2019, the suicide rate rose by over 250%, according to recent reports. Currently, an estimated 8-10 suicides are reported every month in various districts of
Kashmir, with an alarming majority involving young adults aged 15-30. These are merely the reported cases; countless others go unreported due to
societal stigma, fear of judgment, or lack of awareness. The JK Police often step in only after a tragic suicide attempt or death is reported, but by then, the damage is irreversible. Families are left grieving, while potential warning signs that could have been addressed earlier remain overlooked. Unfortunately, these reported cases are just the tip of the
iceberg. Beneath the surface lies a massive population grappling with severe mental health struggles—undiagnosed, untreated, and unseen. The Menace of Substance Abuse: A Growing Epidemic
Adding to this crisis is the alarming rise in substance abuse across Kashmir. As per the Drug De-Addiction Centre reports from the police, over 70,000
people in Kashmir, including children as young as 10, are addicted to some form of substance. The primary substance of abuse has shifted from
cannabis and alcohol to opioids like heroin. Recent data revealed that nearly 52% of patients in rehabilitation centers are heroin users, signaling a
disturbing trend. The JK Police frequently bust drug trafficking networks, seize large quantities of narcotics, and arrest those involved. However, their efforts address
only the supply chain; the root cause of addiction remains largely unaddressed. The administration needs to recognize that drug abuse is not merely a
criminal issue but a severe mental health problem requiring early intervention and professional support. Many abusers, often under the influence of drugs, resort to crimes ranging from theft to violence. This criminal behavior puts additional strain on law
enforcement. However, these young individuals, driven to the brink by psychological pain and societal pressures, need rehabilitation, not endless
confinement under IPC

Unemployment, Pornography, and Societal Pressures
Unemployment in Kashmir is another major contributor to this crisis, with rates hovering at over 20%, among the highest in the country. The lack of
job opportunities, coupled with societal expectations, drives young individuals into despair. Late marriages, caste-based restrictions, and increasing
choosiness in partner selection add further strain, particularly on men who struggle to find outlets for their natural instincts and emotions. An overlooked yet significant issue in the region is pornography consumption. Reports suggest that Kashmir ranks among the highest in pornography
viewership in India, despite its deeply rooted conservative culture. A study conducted in 2021 highlighted that internet penetration and social
isolation during the pandemic only exacerbated this trend. The contradiction is stark: in a region steeped in Sufi values and religious teachings that
prohibit such behavior, pornography becomes an easily accessible escape for those grappling with loneliness, unemployment, and social restrictions. A Call for Integrated Mental Health Solutions
While the JK Police and administration have made efforts to address these issues, the measures remain far from adequate. Mental health services in
the region are grossly underdeveloped. With only a handful of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors serving millions, the mental health
infrastructure is incapable of meeting the growing demand. This gap highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to integrate mental health professionals into the existing healthcare and law enforcement
systems. Primary health centers (PHCs) must employ trained mental health experts who can assess and address early warning signs. By equipping
PHCs with such resources, the administration can ensure that individuals grappling with psychological issues receive timely intervention before their
problems escalate. Additionally, a record-keeping system, leveraging data from Anganwadi centers and local health workers, can help identify children and adolescents
showing signs of developmental or behavioral issues. This proactive approach would allow for early referrals to specialists and prevent future crises. A Personal Initiative: A Passionate Student’s Attempt to Make a Difference
As a passionate neuroscience and neuropsychology student, I recognized the dire need for action in this space. Along with a group of dedicated
professionals, including doctors, nurses, advocates, and students from arts and MBBS fields, I initiated a grassroots project to address mental health
and substance abuse issues in Kashmir. Our aim was to create a strategy for change—one that combined awareness, early intervention, and
rehabilitation. We reached out to the JK Police for permissions to work within their jurisdictions, and the response was encouraging. A mail from the Inspector
General of Police (IGP) office even forwarded us to meet with the Director General of Police (DGP) to discuss our proposal. However, despite the
initial momentum, our efforts faced significant challenges. The administration, unfortunately, did not extend financial or institutional support, which
made it impossible to sustain the project. Without funding and official backing, we were forced to halt our initiative. This experience underscored the critical need for administrative commitment to mental health reforms. Passionate individuals and grassroots
organizations can only do so much without systemic support. A Plea for Change: Saving Minds, Not Controlling Them
It’s time for the administration to step up and take ownership of this crisis. The exponential rise in suicides and substance abuse signals a slow- moving genocide—a battle our brains are waging against us. The JK Police cannot be expected to tackle this crisis alone; their role is reactive by
nature, addressing issues only when they escalate into crimes or emergencies. To truly save young minds, we need a proactive approach. The administration must allocate resources to recruit mental health professionals, establish dedicated counseling centers in every district, and
remove the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of endlessly incarcerating individuals under drug-related IPC sections, the focus should shift to
rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Moreover, community involvement is crucial. Schools, colleges, and local organizations must join hands to spread awareness about mental health and
substance abuse. Workshops, counseling sessions, and open forums can help break the silence and encourage individuals to seek help. Conclusion
The mental health crisis in Kashmir is a ticking time bomb that demands urgent action. It’s not just a matter of law enforcement but a societal issue
that requires the collective effort of the JK Police, administration, mental health professionals, and the community at large. Early intervention, proper
mental health infrastructure, and a shift in societal attitudes can pave the way for a healthier and more hopeful future for Kashmir’s youth.Let us not
wait for the crisis to explode beyond control. The time to act is now—to save lives, rebuild hope, and secure the future of this paradise on earth. The Author is a Master’s student in Clinical Psychology with a dedicated focus on Neural networks, brain chemistry, and their broader societal
implications. He is also a committed Social Activist and Mental health Advocate, raising awareness through Articles and public education. He can be
reached at Umairvani07@gmail.com