by Heena Farooq
In recent years, suicide has become a growing concern among young people in Kashmir. One of the most significant reasons behind this trend is the neglect of mental health during its early warning stages.
Many people ignore emotional and psychological symptoms when they first appear. At the same time, others begin labeling themselves with mental health conditions without professional guidance. This confusion has created a dangerous divide in society, where some dismiss mental health struggles, believing that not everyone can be suffering, while those who truly need help often remain unheard.
The youth of Kashmir have lived through repeated crises. Broken relationships, fractured families, academic pressure, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future have all contributed to rising emotional distress. These pressures are not temporary. They accumulate silently and often push vulnerable individuals toward hopelessness.
One of the most concerning realities is how many families respond when children show signs of distress. Instead of seeking professional psychological or medical help, some parents turn to faith healers without understanding the underlying causes. Despite modernization, mental health awareness still lags behind. In many cases, young people receive remedies that fail to address the real problem, allowing conditions such as chronic depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, psychotic disorders, and borderline personality disorder to worsen over time.
In several households, when children try to speak openly about their struggles, they are dismissed with phrases such as “it’s drama,” “it’s the evil eye,” or “it’s black magic.” Cultural beliefs deserve respect, but not every emotional or behavioral change has a supernatural cause. Mental health is a medical and psychological reality that requires understanding, compassion, and professional support.
At the same time, another concern is rising. Some young individuals begin self diagnosing after exposure to online content. This creates confusion and reduces the seriousness of real mental health conditions. As a result, those who are genuinely suffering are sometimes ignored or accused of exaggeration.
We should never ignore mental health. Ignoring it today can ruin lives in the future. It can lead to family breakdowns, severe disorders, suicide, drug addiction, and even accidental deaths caused by stress and emotional exhaustion. Early awareness and timely intervention can prevent many tragedies.
Parents and teachers play a crucial role in shaping the mental well being of children and adolescents. If you notice changes in behavior, mood, or communication, start a conversation. Ask what is troubling them. Listen without judgment. Offer reassurance. Seek professional help when needed. A supportive home and educational environment can act as a strong shield against despair.
Children do not only need material comfort. They need time, attention, emotional safety, and meaningful connection. Giving phones as a substitute for presence may provide temporary relief, but it cannot replace genuine care and guidance. A child’s emotional foundation determines their future, and that future depends on parental attention, understanding, and love.
Preventing youth suicide is not the responsibility of one family or one institution. It is a collective responsibility of society. By prioritizing mental health today, we can save countless lives tomorrow.
Author is a Social Activist and Psychology Student, Government College for Women, MA Road, Srinagar. She can be mailed at contact.distconvenorsrinagar@gmail.com
