Mental health needs care

Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and substance use are increasingly emerging as serious public health concerns in Kashmir, particularly among adolescents and young people. Behind these conditions lie a combination of prolonged psychosocial stress, unemployment, economic uncertainty, academic competition, family expectations and the growing pressures of digital life. Addressing this burden requires more than awareness campaigns as it demands accessible services, early intervention and a society willing to listen without judgement. Young people today face pressures that often remain invisible to parents, teachers and peers. Social media comparisons, cyberbullying, body-image concerns and the constant pursuit of approval can undermine self-esteem and emotional well-being. Academic and career-related anxiety further intensifies these challenges in a region where uncertainty and limited employment opportunities add to everyday stress. Mental health problems should not be dismissed as temporary weakness or a lack of resilience. Sudden behavioural changes, social withdrawal, disturbed sleep and declining academic performance may indicate distress that needs attention. Parents, teachers and caregivers must learn to recognise these warning signs and respond with patience and understanding. Any indication of self-harm or suicidal thoughts requires immediate professional support. Stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles to timely treatment. When people fear being judged, they are more likely to suffer silently, allowing manageable conditions to worsen. Seeking psychological or psychiatric assistance must be treated as a responsible step towards recovery, not a source of shame. The shortage of mental health professionals in Jammu and Kashmir makes the challenge more pressing. Integrating mental health care into primary healthcare, strengthening district-level services, expanding addiction treatment and introducing counselling and awareness programmes in schools and workplaces should be priorities. The inclusion of J&K in the ongoing National Mental Health Survey also offers an opportunity to develop policies based on reliable regional evidence. Mental health is inseparable from overall health. A supportive family, an understanding school, a responsive healthcare system and an informed community can collectively make a difference. No one should have to face psychological distress alone. Help must be accessible, and asking for it must never invite stigma.