AsiaAsia PacificDepressionGeneral NewsKashmirMental healthWorld News Unseen Wounds of Kashmir’s Ongoing Conflict Evident in Mental Health Facilities by Madison Thomas September 2, 2023 written by Madison Thomas September 2, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 55 In the primary urban center of the region under India’s governance in Kashmir, Aayat Hameed sought the advice of multiple medical professionals who recommended that she consult a specialist in mental health. Her symptoms included generalized anxiety, sporadic episodes of heart palpitations, and intermittent yet severe suicidal ideation. After the consultation, she was diagnosed with severe depression. During a recent sweltering summer day, Hameed was one among many who frequented a mental health clinic in Srinagar. There, she has been undergoing a series of therapeutic sessions and medicinal treatments. “Engaging with mental health professionals, or confiding in someone trustworthy, has been substantially beneficial in managing my suicidal tendencies and depression,” Hameed stated. She reported that her condition has improved by approximately 40% within a month-long treatment regimen. For over 30 years, the populace of Kashmir has been enduring a multiplicity of crises. Factors such as armed uprisings, harsh counterinsurgency measures, unprecedented levels of militarization and securitization, and unresolved quests for self-determination have contributed to escalating rates of depression and substance abuse in this contested area, according to experts. The breathtakingly scenic region of the Himalayas has been a continual source of dispute and armed conflicts between India and Pakistan for over seven decades. Both nations govern sections of Kashmir and assert claims over its entirety. In spite of these hostilities, Kashmir’s closely-knit Muslim community historically provided a robust social safety net. However, this support structure disintegrated following the onset of an armed revolt in 1989. From that point onward, an immense toll has been exacted on civilians, insurgents, and governmental forces alike, leading to widespread psychological trauma among the inhabitants of Kashmir. Nearly every individual among the seven million residents of the Kashmir valley has been impacted by this cycle of violence. Two generations have been profoundly affected: those who were adolescents in 1989 and saw their formative years marred by conflict, and the present-day youth who have known nothing but a life punctuated by strife. Saiba Varma, an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego, who has conducted extensive research on psychiatric conditions in Kashmir, stated, “The foundational elements of psychological well-being, such as safety and security, have been persistently compromised in Kashmir for many years.” Although the region has seen a significant decline in daily acts of violence in recent years, and its semi-autonomous status was nullified in 2019—a move justified by the Indian government as necessary for restoring normalcy—the unseen mental scars persist. They are particularly evident in the psychiatric departments of several hospitals, which regularly receive hundreds of individuals seeking help for mental disorders and substance dependencies. According to a 2015 survey conducted by Doctors Without Borders in association with the University of Kashmir and the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Srinagar, nearly 1.8 million adults in the Kashmir valley—that is, 45% of the adult population—are displaying symptoms of psychological distress. Among these, 41% show probable signs of depression, 26% are likely suffering from anxiety, and 19% indicate potential Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. Though the mental health infrastructure in the region has shown signs of expansion—from just four psychiatrists and a single mental health clinic in Srinagar in the early 2000s to around 17 government-backed clinics managed by over 70 professionals today—the system remains unable to meet the demand. Varma asserted that the ongoing crisis in mental health is directly linked to the socio-political circumstances in the region. “The perpetual state of militarization has eradicated many of the traditional cultural and religious coping mechanisms that the people of Kashmir relied upon, making them increasingly dependent on an already overstretched and overly pharmaceutical-focused healthcare system,” she concluded. For further Asia-Pacific coverage by AP, visit https://bigbignews.net/asia-pacific Table of Contents Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mental Health in KashmirWhat is the main focus of the article?Who is Aayat Hameed and why is she mentioned?What is the state of mental health infrastructure in Kashmir?What are the socio-political factors affecting mental health in Kashmir?What does the 2015 study by Doctors Without Borders reveal?How has the conflict in Kashmir affected different generations?Who is Saiba Varma and what is her contribution to the article?What has been the recent change in Kashmir’s status and how does it affect the mental health scenario?More about Mental Health in Kashmir Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mental Health in Kashmir What is the main focus of the article? The article primarily focuses on the impact of the long-standing conflict in Kashmir on the mental health of its residents. It delves into individual experiences, healthcare infrastructure, and socio-political factors contributing to the mental health crisis in the region. Who is Aayat Hameed and why is she mentioned? Aayat Hameed is a resident of the region under India’s governance in Kashmir who sought medical advice for symptoms including generalized anxiety, sporadic episodes of heart palpitations, and severe suicidal ideation. She was diagnosed with severe depression and is undergoing treatment. She is mentioned to provide a personalized account of the mental health situation in Kashmir. What is the state of mental health infrastructure in Kashmir? The mental health infrastructure in Kashmir has expanded over the years but remains overwhelmed. In the early 2000s, there was just one primary mental health clinic in Srinagar with four psychiatrists. Today, there are around 17 government-run clinics managed by over 70 professionals across the region. However, the system still struggles to meet the high demand. What are the socio-political factors affecting mental health in Kashmir? Factors such as violent armed uprisings, harsh counterinsurgency measures, unparalleled militarization, and unresolved quests for self-determination contribute to the region’s mental health issues. Ongoing militarization has also eroded traditional cultural and religious coping mechanisms, leaving residents dependent on an overstretched healthcare system. What does the 2015 study by Doctors Without Borders reveal? The study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Kashmir and the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Srinagar, showed that nearly 1.8 million adults in the Kashmir valley are experiencing symptoms of mental distress. Specifically, 41% show signs of probable depression, 26% probable anxiety, and 19% probable Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. How has the conflict in Kashmir affected different generations? The conflict has had a profound impact on two distinct generations: those who were teenagers in 1989 and saw their formative years disrupted by warfare, and the current youth who have never experienced a life free from conflict. Both groups have been significantly psychologically affected. Who is Saiba Varma and what is her contribution to the article? Saiba Varma is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of California, San Diego. She has conducted extensive research on psychiatric conditions in Kashmir. In the article, she provides expert commentary on how the foundational elements of psychological well-being, such as safety and security, have been compromised in Kashmir for decades. What has been the recent change in Kashmir’s status and how does it affect the mental health scenario? The region’s semi-autonomous status was revoked in 2019 by the Indian government, which justified the move as necessary for restoring normalcy. Despite this change and a decline in daily violence, the mental scars of the enduring conflict continue to manifest in the form of widespread mental illnesses and drug dependencies. More about Mental Health in Kashmir Mental Health Statistics in Kashmir History of the Kashmir Conflict Doctors Without Borders 2015 Study on Kashmir Mental Health Services in India Socio-political Landscape of Kashmir Recent Changes in Kashmir’s Autonomy Overview of Mental Health Disorders Coping Mechanisms and Cultural Practices in Kashmir You Might Be Interested In AI Plays a Key Role in The Beatles’ ‘Ultimate’ Album Release Trump refuses to say in a TV interview how he watched the Jan. 6 attack unfold at the US Capitol Americans are divided along party lines over Trump’s actions in election cases, AP-NORC poll shows Oregon Paves Way for Self-Service Gas Stations, Breaking Seven-Decades-Long Prohibition Rights group reports war crimes in Sudan, including deliberate attacks on civilians, sexual assault Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel’s hit list after last month’s deadly attack AsiaAsia PacificdepressionGeneral NewsHealthcare InfrastructureKashmirKashmir ConflictMental health Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Madison Thomas Follow Author Madison Thomas is a food journalist who covers the latest news and trends in the world of cuisine. She enjoys exploring new recipes and culinary trends, and she is always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors to try. previous post Amid Taiwan’s Defensive Posturing Against China, Public Sentiment Remains Largely Unperturbed by Threat of Conflict next post Number of Missing Individuals in Maui Wildfire Reduced to 385, Contrary to Governor’s Estimate of Under 100 You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ