Srinagar, May 3: In many homes across Kashmir, the signs don’t arrive loudly. A student spends more time alone than before. Someone who once spoke freely now keeps the conversations short. Sleep patterns change, tempers rise, or everything goes unusually quiet. Most of the time, these shifts are dismissed as stress, mood, or just a phase.
But increasingly, they point to something deeper. Studies in the region suggest that over 40% of adults in the Valley show signs of psychological distress, with young people especially students facing rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
“Mental health issues don’t suddenly appear,” said a Srinagar-based counselor. “They build slowly, and often in silence. By the time families notice, the person has already been dealing with it for a while.”Part of the difficulty lies in how these issues are understood. In many households, emotional distress is still expected to pass on its own with time, distraction, or faith. While these can offer comfort but professionals say that they are not always enough.
The pressures on young people have also changed. Social media, while offering connection, often brings comparison, disrupted sleep, and a constant sense of pressure. For many, it becomes a quiet escape rather than support.“It may look like they are just using their phones,” the counselor added, “but often they are trying to cope with something they cannot express.”
Despite this, seeking help remains difficult. Counseling is still misunderstood seen as something extreme rather than a normal way to understand one’s thoughts and emotions. Mental health workers say early support can make a significant difference. Even a few sessions can help individuals make sense of what they are feeling and prevent it from becoming overwhelming.
Across the Valley, helplines and counseling services have reported a steady rise in people reaching out, particularly students. Yet, many continue to hesitate. “Sometimes, all it takes is someone at home noticing and listening without judgement,” said another professional. “That can change everything.”
For families, the role is crucial. Experts suggest paying attention to small behavioural shifts withdrawal, irritability, loss of interest, or sudden changes in routine. More importantly, they stress creating a space where young people feel safe enough to speak. Mental health, they say, is not about weakness. It is about recognising when someone needs support.
In a region known for its resilience, the challenge today is quieter and more personal, unfolding in kitchens and bedrooms, often without being noticed. The signs are there, but they don’t always ask to be seen. The question is, who is paying attention?
