Doctors urge collective responsibility to fight stigma, rising drug abuse, delayed treatment
Anantnag: Amid a growing mental health crisis across Jammu and Kashmir, doctors say a significant number of people are beginning to come forward and seek treatment, marking a slow but positive shift in awareness and acceptance.
Official data from the Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), reveals that over 3.7 lakh patients with mental health issues have been treated at the hospital in the past five years.
Similarly, the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), GMC Srinagar, has catered to around two lakh patients last year.
“As the only tertiary-level psychiatric hospital in the region, the IMHANS catered to around two lakh patients last year, including those seeking help for both general mental health problems and substance-use disorders,” Dr Yasir Rather, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, IMHANS, said. “This number itself reflects the growing demand for accessible, affordable, and stigma-free care.”
He said this year’s theme reminds us that mental health care must not be a privilege of peace, but a necessity in times of crisis.
“In Kashmir, where people continue to face layers of uncertainty, recent war-like situations and natural disasters like floods and earthquakes, social stress, and mental health challenges are deeply woven into daily life,” Dr Rather said. “We must work collectively to strengthen community-based mental health services, integrate psychological support into disaster and emergency response, and ensure that no individual, regardless of geography or background, is left behind when it comes to care.”
Dr Yasir added, “Let this day serve as a call to action: to make mental health services accessible in every setting, protect recovery as a human right, and build systems that stand firm even in crisis.”
Doctors, however, warn that the magnitude of mental health problems remains deeply concerning, with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse being among the most common issues reported.
“Recognising the warning signs in people who have suicidal thoughts and ensuring help through positive support networks is a moral responsibility for all of us,” a senior psychiatrist said, stressing that early intervention can save lives.
He noted that drug abuse has emerged as one of the gravest social concerns, especially among youth. “The percentage of indulgence in drugs has seen a dangerous upsurge in recent years. Young people, in particular, are falling prey to various kinds of social evils — the most damaging being substance abuse, which destroys both purpose and potential. It’s time to act — now or never,” he added.
Health professionals suggest several simple yet effective steps to maintain emotional well-being. “Engage in at least one physical activity daily, as it helps release endorphins that elevate mood. Seek help from mental health professionals when needed. Avoid negative coping mechanisms such as smoking, self-harm, or social isolation. Also, set emotional and occupational boundaries to prevent burnout,” doctors advised.
They added that mental illnesses are closely linked to multiple social and behavioural issues, including suicidal tendencies. “Drug addiction remains a major social menace that needs urgent and compassionate redressal,” another expert said.
Experts attribute the higher prevalence of mental health issues in J&K to a combination of turmoil, prolonged stress, and vulnerability due to social and political factors. “The stigma surrounding mental disorders, lack of awareness, and delayed treatment-seeking behaviour make the situation worse. We need a joint, sustained effort to change this,” a mental health specialist observed.
Doctors called for creating supportive living conditions and promoting early childhood development as long-term measures to improve community mental health. “Interventions such as preschool psychosocial programs, nutritional support, and early emotional care can lay strong foundations for a healthier society,” they said.
Strengthening primary healthcare systems to handle mental health disorders is equally crucial. “Mental health treatment should be available at the grassroots level with affordable diagnostic tests and low-cost therapies,” the experts suggested.
They also called for a soft and empathetic approach towards drug addicts, understanding their struggles and addressing root causes rather than solely resorting to punishment.
Doctors further warned that rapid urbanisation, migration, and climate change are emerging as significant stressors. “Economic and social vulnerabilities increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use. Displacements caused by extreme weather events and climate-related distress can have long-term mental health impacts on communities,” they said.
Experts agreed that a multi-dimensional approach involving families, schools, community leaders, and healthcare institutions is essential to reverse the rising trend of mental health disorders in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
