The issue of mental health has gained huge attention worldwide, also in Kashmir, affecting individuals, families, and communities. In recent years, Kashmir has witnessed a considerable upsurge in mental health cases, prompting experts to emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to address this pressing concern.
Mental health issues include a wide range of conditions like drug addiction, anxiety disorders, climatic changes, economic challenges, unemployment issues, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Kashmir Valley currently has two government-run institutions providing mental health services, including the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar and the Psychiatry Unit at SMHS in Srinagar, which provides treatment for addiction as well as outpatient departments for general psychiatry and child psychiatry. Additionally, Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Centers have been established in District Hospitals across the Valley. Dr Maqbool Ahmad Dar, Head of the Psychiatry Unit at Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar, noted the significant increase in the number of patients seeking mental health treatment. This shift, he explained, is due to increased awareness and knowledge about mental health issues among the general population.
As per recent studies, the prevalence of mental health problems in Kashmir is staggering, with 45% of the adult population (1.8 million) suffering from mental health problems. The figures show a high prevalence of depression (41%), anxiety (26%), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (19%). Shockingly, 47% of the population has experienced some form of trauma. Even children aged 8 to 14 are not immune; the prevalence of childhood disorders is between 22 and 27%. A retrospective study of suicide attempts between 1994 and 2012 documented a striking increase of more than 250%. Despite these alarming figures, there is an inescapable shame in Kashmir to seek mental health treatment. About 90% of people with mental health problems do not seek treatment because they fear social labelling.
According to MSF’s “Kashmir Mental Health Survey 2015”, 50% of women (compared to 37% of men) suffered from probable depression; 36% of women (compared to 21% of men) had a probable anxiety disorder; and 22% of women (compared to 18% of men) suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The survey also found that adults living in the Kashmir Valley either witnessed or experienced an average of 7.7 traumatic events during their lifetime; only 0.3% of the adult population surveyed had not experienced a traumatic event ever.
According to Dr Qazi Haroon, State Program Manager of Mental Health J&K, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar has received 29,000 calls from individuals grappling with stress, drug addiction, and anxiety-related issues in Jammu and Kashmir in the last year. Females constituted 54%, males 45%, while below 1% were from other categories. Most self-harm was seen in those aged between 20 and 30. The three-tier system incorporates mental health counsellors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists, ensuring a comprehensive support network for those in need.
Tele-MANAS, a 24×7 online telepsychiatry model, has made a profound impact by making counsellors and psychiatrists available round the clock in J&K as well as the whole country. People in need can simply dial 14416 to access immediate assistance and guidance with callers’ safety and privacy. Last year, J&K won the first prize for its Tele Manas initiative at the Mental Health Conclave on Mental Health Day, 2023, in New Delhi.
The mental health experts stressed the need for strengthening mental health treatment at the primary healthcare level, along with easily accessible diagnostic tests and affordable treatments. They called for a compassionate approach towards individuals struggling with drug addiction, urging comprehensive steps for redressal, and the need to adopt a soft and caring approach towards drug addicts, understand their concerns, find out the reasons, and accordingly take comprehensive steps for redressal.
“To address these challenges, a collective and compassionate approach is needed for spreading awareness, reducing stigma, enhancing mental health infrastructure, and providing support networks. The Kashmir Valley can pave the way towards a healthier, mentally resilient society.”
The writer is a student of B.Sc Nursing (3rd Semester) at the Ramzaan College of Nursing Galandar Pulwama. He can be reached at [email protected]

Shahid Shafi Rather