Silent Suffering: Understanding depression among youth in JK
By: Er Navaid Runyal
Introduction: Depression is not sadness. It is not simply a low mood or a temporary dip in spirits. It is a serious mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions in daily life.
While depression is a global issue, it assumes unique dimensions in regions like Jammu & Kashmir, where political uncertainty, social trauma, and economic instability intertwine with personal struggles particularly among the youth.
In a land known for its mesmerizing beauty, the mental health crisis remains one of the most invisible and ignored realities. The youth, who should be dreaming, building and flying, are instead grappling with fears, isolation, unemployment, and trauma that is eating them from within.
This article delves into the layers of depression, its symptoms, causes, and most importantly the way it is affecting the young population in Jammu & Kashmir, with a call for collective action and healing.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It affects not only the emotional state but also physical health, relationships, and professional life.
Common Symptoms:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Sleep disturbances (too little or too much)
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
These symptoms must last for at least two weeks and significantly impair one’s ability to function.
Why Depression is Growing Among the Youth
Young people today face a world that is far more complex and demanding than the generations before. The pressure to succeed, societal expectations, fear of failure, body image concerns, toxic social media culture, family problems, and identity struggles contribute to rising levels of depression.
But for the youth in Jammu & Kashmir, these issues are amplified by decades of political conflict, military presence, economic stagnation, and social uncertainty.
The Ground Reality in Jammu & Kashmir
- Historical and Political Turbulence
The region has witnessed conflict, curfews, lockdowns, and communication blackouts over decades. The youth here have grown up amidst violence, trauma, and fear. Many have seen bloodshed, lost loved ones, or lived in environments where mental health is never discussed—let alone treated.
In 2019, the abrogation of Article 370 brought massive political change. While some hoped for peace and progress, others experienced a sense of loss. The internet shutdown and suspension of normal life for months led to extreme psychological isolation, especially among students who were cut off from education, peers, and the outside world.
- Unemployment and Uncertainty
The unemployment rate in Jammu & Kashmir, especially among educated youth, is among the highest in the country. Many young people, despite having degrees, struggle to find meaningful work. Repeated postponements of recruitment exams, allegations of paper leaks, and lack of transparency in selection processes have crushed the spirits of thousands.
A young graduate who once dreamt of being an engineer or teacher now finds himself either idle, overqualified for low-paying jobs, or contemplating migration—leaving behind home and identity. This leads to a deep sense of worthlessness, anxiety, and hopelessness.
- Societal Pressure and Stigma
In Kashmiri society, like in many conservative cultures, mental health remains a taboo. Depression is often dismissed as laziness, lack of willpower, or even blamed on ‘weak faith’. Young boys are told to ‘man up’ and girls are told to ‘pray more’.
As a result, most youth suffer in silence. They bottle up emotions, avoid seeking help, and slowly deteriorate. The fear of being labelled “pagal” (mad) prevents even the most desperate individuals from seeing a psychiatrist.
- Social Media and Comparison Culture
Ironically, the mobile revolution and internet restoration in Jammu wnd Kashmir brought not just connectivity, but comparison-based stress. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook project a filtered reality, where everyone seems happier, more successful, and more beautiful. For Kashmiri youth, especially those from rural or conflict-hit areas, this amplifies feelings of inadequacy and failure.
Even relationships have become more fragile and emotionally draining in this digital age. Breakups, ghosting, and online bullying contribute further to depressive episodes.
Heart-breaking Stories of Real Youth
Ask any young person in Jammu Kashmir if they’ve known someone who died by suicide—and most will say yes. Sadly, suicide rates are increasing in the region.
From a topper in Doda who couldn’t cope with academic pressure, to a young girl in Baramulla who took her life due to harassment, or a boy in Ramban who slipped into depression after repeated exam cancellations these are not just news items. These are lost dreams, lost voices, and a collective failure of society to acknowledge the pain that hides behind closed doors.
What Needs to Change
- Talk about Mental Health Openly
Conversations must start at home, schools, mosques, and community centers. Parents must learn that it’s okay for their children to not be okay. Teachers must be trained to identify signs of depression. Religious and community leaders must encourage compassion, understanding, and destigmatization.
- Counseling in Schools and Colleges
Every educational institution in Jammu & Kashmir must have at least one trained counselor or mental health professional. Students must feel safe to express their emotions, get therapy, and receive guidance without fear of judgment.
- Employment and Engagement
The government must prioritize transparent recruitment, skill development, and start-up incentives. Idle minds fall prey to overthinking, addiction, and depression. Productive engagement is one of the best tools against mental illnesses.
- Crisis Helplines and Local Therapy Access
There should be helplines run by trained psychologists, online therapy platforms, and affordable or free clinics in every district. Many youth want help, but don’t know where to go. Others fear affordability. Accessibility is key.
- Empowering Youth Voices
Let the youth of Kashmir write, speak, sing, and express. Art therapy, writing, music, and storytelling can heal. More platforms should be created for young people to share their trauma, poetry, dreams, and pain—without fear of censorship or ridicule.
A Message to the Youth
Dear young hearts of Jammu & Kashmir,
You are not weak because you cry. You are not broken because you feel lost. You are living in a time and place where survival itself is a form of courage.
If you feel like no one understands you, remember: someone does. You are not alone.
Talk to a friend. Talk to a teacher. Talk to a stranger if you must—but talk. Your life is precious. Your pain is real, but it is also treatable. There is no shame in asking for help.
This world needs your light. Even when the valley is covered in darkness, remember: the Almond blossoms will bloom again. And so will you.
Conclusion
Depression in Jammu & Kashmir is a humanitarian issue, not just a medical one. The youth are its most affected victims—and yet, its greatest hope. If given proper support, safe spaces, and opportunities, they can overcome the shadows and rebuild a future of peace, resilience, and prosperity.
Let us not wait for another suicide to realize the urgency………Let us act now.
(The author is a geotechnical engineer from Marnal Maligam( Pogal Paristan) Ramban)
