“A single suicide is one too many. Let’s act before another flower withers before its bloom.”, DR.FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI
DR.FIAZ MAQBOOL FAZILI
Understanding the Crisis: Why Are Kashmiri Children at Risk?
The recent tragic suicide of a teenage student in Kashmir has sent shockwaves through society, forcing us to confront an alarming reality—the rising suicidal tendency among children and adolescents in the region. This heartbreaking incident is not isolated; it reflects a deeper crisis fuelled by cumulative trauma from natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, hailstorms), socio-political unrest, economic instability, and the psychological aftermath of prolonged conflict.
The loss of a young life—a “fragrant rose budding flower”—demands urgent introspection. Why did this child feel that death was the only escape? What systemic failures allowed this to happen? More importantly, what corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) can be taken to stop such tragedies in the future? The tragic suicide of a teenage student has further highlighted the urgent need for and this piece examines the root causes, early warning signs, and multi-stakeholder approach needed—involving parents, schools, mental health professionals, and policymakers—to safeguard Kashmir’s
Why Are Kashmiri Children at Risk? This question always baffles me. Is it cumulative trauma or impact of adverse mental /behavioral events which children living in conflict zone suffer from and PTSD
Kashmir has endured decades of conflict, violence, and frequent natural disasters. Children growing up in such an environment are at high risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), chronic anxiety, and depression. Studies indicate that exposure to instability and loss can lead to emotional numbing, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation.
Natural Disasters: The recent hail storms and thunderstorms destroyed cherry and fruit crops, devastating farmers’ livelihoods. Financial stress directly impacts children’s mental well-being.Academic Pressure: Excessive focus on grades, competition, over performance and lack of emotional support in schools contribute to stress. Social media & Cyberbullying: Negative online influences, unrealistic comparisons, and cyberbullying exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. Family Stress: Economic hardships, domestic conflicts, and lack of parental awareness about mental health leave children vulnerable.
Stigma Around Mental Health-Many families still view mental health struggles as a “shameful secret” rather than a medical condition. This prevents early intervention, or seeking professional help allowing distress to escalate into tragedy.
Early Warning Signs: What Parents, Teachers, and Peers Must Watch For- but what mind does not know eyes won’t see is an old dictum still holds relevant .All the stakeholder needs education and awareness from professionals what to look for. We are highlighting in this piece but in no way a replacement for proper professional education on such early events.
Children contemplating suicide or having tendencies towards self-inflicting harm often exhibit behavioural changes before taking drastic steps. Vigilance can save lives. Key red flags include: Emotional & Behavioural Indicators. Withdrawal: Sudden disinterest in friends, hobbies, or school.Mood Swings: Extreme sadness, irritability, or emotional numbness.Hopelessness: Statements like “Nothing matters anymore” or “I wish I wasn’t here.”Self-Harm: Cutting, scratching, or other signs of self-injury.Giving Away Belongings: Unusual acts like gifting prized possessions. Sudden Calm After Depression: A deceptive sense of peace (may indicate a decision to end life).Academic & Social Changes-Declining Grades: Loss of concentration due to emotional distress.Avoiding School: frequent complaints of illness or refusal to attend. Social Isolation: Cutting off from friends and family.
Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA): A Multi-Stakeholder Approach. Parents, teachers, and peers must not ignore these signs—early professional help can prevent tragedy. Director school education in collaboration with Director Health Services and IMHANS Kashmir should start a comprehensive education and awareness program and hold seminars and workshops at all school levels throughout UT .
Role of Parents & Families begins with open communication. Encourage children to express emotions without fear of judgment. Monitor the children’s behaviour for sudden changes in sleep, eating habits, or social interactions. Don’t delay seeking professional help early. Consult psychologists at the first signs of depression or anxiety.Focus on emotional well-being, not just grades to reduce academic pressure.
Responsibility of schools & education authorities is to hold mandatory mental health programs. Every school must have trained counsellors and counselling cells. Emotional resilience, and suicide prevention conduct regular workshops on stress management. Educators should be educated, trained to identify at-risk students and teacher training is mandatory. Encourage student-led mental health awareness groups and establish Peer support systems. Re-evaluate exam pressure and promote holistic development to reduce academic burden.
Role of Government & Health Authorities. The Directorate of School Education must enforce mental health support in all schools and frame school mental health policy.Expand access to 24/7 suicide prevention hotlines,free helplines & crisis centers.Community awareness campaigns break the stigma around mental health through media and public discussions.Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation: Special programs for children affected by conflict/natural disasters.
Role of Social Welfare & NGOs- Educate families on recognizing depression and suicidal tendencies by continuous parental awareness programs. Create safe spaces for children to share struggles through community support networks. Economic Support for Vulnerable Families to mitigate financial instability that worsens mental health crises.
A Call to Action; The recent adverse events in Kashmir—destructive winds, thunderstorms, hailstorms, and their devastating impact on cherry and fruit crops—have not only caused severe economic losses for farmers but also exacerbated psychological distress among the population, especially school-going children. The cumulative effect of natural disasters (floods, earthquakes), fires, conflicts, and violence has deeply affected the mental health of children, with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other trauma-related conditions becoming a growing concern. The suicide of a Kashmiri teenager is not just an individual tragedy—it is a societal failure. If we do not act now, more young lives will be lost to despair. Immediate Steps Needed are RCA- root causes analysis with,” No name NO Blame ,No shame but a professional Probe: Investigate recent cases to identify systemic gaps, stress on parental vigilance. Families must watch for early warning signs and seek help. School Reforms mandate counselling, to reduce academic stress. Government Intervention through policy changes, mental health funding, helplines. Breaking the Stigma by normalizing discussions on mental health.
Kashmir’s children are its future. Let’s not fail them. By working together—parents, schools, health experts, and policymakers—we can prevent such tragedies and nurture a healthier, more resilient generation. “A single suicide is one too many. Let’s act before another flower withers before its bloom. “The situation calls for immediate action to prevent further tragedies and build resilience in Kashmir’s youth. Would you like help finding resources or drafting a community support proposal?
The Author is a Surgeon at Mubarak hospital, Healthcare policy analyst, Certified Professional in Quality improvement in Hospitals can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com
