Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNO): Anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances and substance use are among the common mental health problems reported by patients visiting hospital outpatient departments in Kashmir, with psychiatrists expressing concern over the growing psychological pressures faced by adolescents and young people.
Experts say prolonged psychosocial stress, economic uncertainty, unemployment, family and societal expectations, academic competition and excessive screen time are among the factors contributing to the mental health burden in the region.
Dr Yasir Hassan Rather, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that anxiety disorders, clinical depression, sleep disturbances, substance-related problems and stress-related conditions were among the most frequently encountered mental health issues in hospital OPDs.
"In the Kashmiri context, prolonged psychosocial stress, economic uncertainty, unemployment, family pressures and societal expectations can contribute to the increasing mental health burden. Among adolescents, academic and career-related pressures, excessive screen time and substance use are additional concerns," he said.
Dr Rather said young people were increasingly exposed to social media-related stress, unhealthy comparisons, pressure to maintain a perfect appearance, body-image concerns and the fear of missing out. He added that cyberbullying, online harassment and contact with cyber predators could further compromise their safety and psychological well-being.
"Bullying, exclusion, humiliation, peer pressure and difficulties in maintaining friendships at school can contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and social withdrawal," he added.
The psychiatrist said that mental health problems and substance use were closely linked and required greater public awareness, timely identification and appropriate professional intervention. He urged parents, teachers and caregivers to remain attentive to warning signs such as sudden changes in mood or behaviour, social isolation, declining academic performance, disturbed sleep and expressions of hopelessness.
"Any indication of self-harm or suicidal thoughts must be taken seriously and addressed with immediate, compassionate support and urgent professional help," Dr Rather said.
He said stigma remained a major barrier, forcing many people to suffer silently rather than seek professional assistance.
"The message on World Mental Health Day is that mental health conditions are treatable, early intervention matters, and seeking help from a mental health professional should be seen as a sign of strength, not weakness," he added.
Psychiatrist Dr Abrar Guroo said this year's World Mental Health Day theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," highlighted the importance of incorporating the experiences of patients and their families into the planning and delivery of mental health services.
"In Kashmir, we often discuss mental health through statistics and expert opinions, but people who have lived through these conditions and their families know best what helps, what hurts and what is missing," he said.
Dr Guroo said mental health services should be designed not only around clinical requirements but also around the practical experiences of patients, their families and caregivers.
Highlighting the need for reliable data, he said Jammu and Kashmir had not been covered in the National Mental Health Survey conducted during 2015–16. The survey, which covered 12 states, found that approximately 13.7 per cent of the population had experienced a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Dr Guroo said the second round of the survey was underway and would include Jammu and Kashmir, potentially providing region-specific evidence.
Speaking about the conditions he encounters in clinical practice, Dr Guroo said depression, anxiety, trauma-related illnesses and substance use were among the most common concerns, with an increasing number of young people seeking help.
"Years of conflict, the pandemic, uncertainty about employment and the influence of social media have added to the burden. Mental health here is closely connected with financial circumstances, education and the everyday pressures people carry," he said.
He said awareness had improved over the years, although stigma continued to discourage many from seeking timely care. He said the Tele-MANAS service had helped improve access to mental health support.
However, he cautioned that substantial gaps remained. Referring to figures recently shared by the Union government in Parliament, he said Jammu and Kashmir had around 120 psychiatrists and 40 clinical psychologists across the government and private sectors, which remained inadequate.
Dr Guroo called for integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, ensuring trained doctors across districts, introducing awareness programmes in schools and workplaces, and expanding addiction treatment facilities.
"Mental health is part of health, and asking for help early is not weakness. If you are struggling, talk to someone you trust and reach out to a professional. Families, teachers and employers should listen without judging," he said.
He urged people to use Tele-MANAS, a free national tele-mental health service available on 14416—(KNO)