"We need to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health," says Dr. Yasir, a psychiatrist who works with the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society. "We need to create a culture that encourages young people to speak openly about their feelings & to seek help when they need it." As the Kashmir Valley continues to navigate the complexities of modern life
As the Valley's youth navigate the complexities of modern life, they face an unprecedented crisis of mental health, addiction & social isolation. Kashmir, often referred to as "Paradise on Earth," has long been a source of inspiration for poets, artists & travelers. However, beneath the surface of this breathtakingly beautiful region lies a complex web of social, economic & psychological challenges that are taking a devastating toll on its youth. In recent years, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a significant rise in cases of depression, anxiety & substance abuse among its young population. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Kashmir has one of the highest rates of depression in the world, with an estimated 1.8 million people suffering from some form of mental health disorder. One of the primary factors contributing to this crisis is the widespread use of social media among Kashmiri youth. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook & Twitter have become an integral part of their daily lives, providing a constant stream of information, entertainment & connectivity. However, excessive social media use has also been linked to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety & loneliness. Social media has become a curse for our youth," says Dr. Majid, a psychiatrist at the Government Medical College in Srinagar. "It's creating unrealistic expectations & promoting a culture of comparison & competition. Young people are feeling pressure to present a perfect online image, which is leading to feelings of inadequacy & low self-esteem. Another major concern is the growing problem of substance abuse among Kashmiri youth. According to a report by the Jammu and Kashmir government, there has been a significant increase in cases of drug addiction in the Valley, with an estimated 70,000 people suffering from some form of addiction. The problem of drug addiction is a ticking time bomb in Kashmir," says Bashir Ahmad, a social activist who works with drug addicts in the Valley. "Young people are turning to drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety & depression. However, this is only exacerbating the problem & leading to a cycle of addiction & despair." The root causes of this crisis are complex & multifaceted. Decades of conflict & instability have created a sense of uncertainty and insecurity among Kashmiri youth. The lack of economic opportunities & the scarcity of resources have also contributed to feelings of frustration & hopelessness. However, there are also reasons to be optimistic. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the importance of mental health & the need to address the crisis facing Kashmiri youth. Organizations like the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society & the Jammu and Kashmir Mental Health Society are working to provide counseling services, support groups, & awareness programs to young people in the Valley.
"We need to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health," says Dr. Yasir, a psychiatrist who works with the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society. "We need to create a culture that encourages young people to speak openly about their feelings & to seek help when they need it." As the Kashmir Valley continues to navigate the complexities of modern life, it is clear that the crisis facing its youth will require a sustained & collective effort to address. However, with awareness, compassion & support, It's possible to create a brighter future for the young people of Kashmir.
Statistics
1.8 million people in Kashmir suffer from some form of mental health disorder (WHO).
70,000 people in Kashmir suffer from some form of addiction (Jammu &Kashmir government).
60% of Kashmiri youth use social media for more than 4 hours a day- (Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society).
Conclusion
The crisis facing Kashmiri youth is a complex & multifaceted issue that requires a sustained & collective effort to address. However, with awareness, compassion & support, It's possible to create a brighter future for the young people of Kashmir. As we move forward, It's essential that we prioritize the mental health & well-being of our youth, providing them with the resources & support they need to thrive.
Email:----------------------------nawazmanzoor71@gmail.com
"We need to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health," says Dr. Yasir, a psychiatrist who works with the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society. "We need to create a culture that encourages young people to speak openly about their feelings & to seek help when they need it." As the Kashmir Valley continues to navigate the complexities of modern life
As the Valley's youth navigate the complexities of modern life, they face an unprecedented crisis of mental health, addiction & social isolation. Kashmir, often referred to as "Paradise on Earth," has long been a source of inspiration for poets, artists & travelers. However, beneath the surface of this breathtakingly beautiful region lies a complex web of social, economic & psychological challenges that are taking a devastating toll on its youth. In recent years, the Kashmir Valley has witnessed a significant rise in cases of depression, anxiety & substance abuse among its young population. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), Kashmir has one of the highest rates of depression in the world, with an estimated 1.8 million people suffering from some form of mental health disorder. One of the primary factors contributing to this crisis is the widespread use of social media among Kashmiri youth. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook & Twitter have become an integral part of their daily lives, providing a constant stream of information, entertainment & connectivity. However, excessive social media use has also been linked to increased symptoms of depression, anxiety & loneliness. Social media has become a curse for our youth," says Dr. Majid, a psychiatrist at the Government Medical College in Srinagar. "It's creating unrealistic expectations & promoting a culture of comparison & competition. Young people are feeling pressure to present a perfect online image, which is leading to feelings of inadequacy & low self-esteem. Another major concern is the growing problem of substance abuse among Kashmiri youth. According to a report by the Jammu and Kashmir government, there has been a significant increase in cases of drug addiction in the Valley, with an estimated 70,000 people suffering from some form of addiction. The problem of drug addiction is a ticking time bomb in Kashmir," says Bashir Ahmad, a social activist who works with drug addicts in the Valley. "Young people are turning to drugs as a way to cope with stress, anxiety & depression. However, this is only exacerbating the problem & leading to a cycle of addiction & despair." The root causes of this crisis are complex & multifaceted. Decades of conflict & instability have created a sense of uncertainty and insecurity among Kashmiri youth. The lack of economic opportunities & the scarcity of resources have also contributed to feelings of frustration & hopelessness. However, there are also reasons to be optimistic. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about the importance of mental health & the need to address the crisis facing Kashmiri youth. Organizations like the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society & the Jammu and Kashmir Mental Health Society are working to provide counseling services, support groups, & awareness programs to young people in the Valley.
"We need to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health," says Dr. Yasir, a psychiatrist who works with the Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society. "We need to create a culture that encourages young people to speak openly about their feelings & to seek help when they need it." As the Kashmir Valley continues to navigate the complexities of modern life, it is clear that the crisis facing its youth will require a sustained & collective effort to address. However, with awareness, compassion & support, It's possible to create a brighter future for the young people of Kashmir.
Statistics
1.8 million people in Kashmir suffer from some form of mental health disorder (WHO).
70,000 people in Kashmir suffer from some form of addiction (Jammu &Kashmir government).
60% of Kashmiri youth use social media for more than 4 hours a day- (Kashmir Young Psychiatric Society).
Conclusion
The crisis facing Kashmiri youth is a complex & multifaceted issue that requires a sustained & collective effort to address. However, with awareness, compassion & support, It's possible to create a brighter future for the young people of Kashmir. As we move forward, It's essential that we prioritize the mental health & well-being of our youth, providing them with the resources & support they need to thrive.
Email:----------------------------nawazmanzoor71@gmail.com
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