Suicidal tendencies among Kashmiri youth on rise
Javed Shah
Srinagar, Oct 18
: An alarming increase in suicide attempts during the last 18 years in the Valley has become a serious concern among people in general and psychiatrists and sociologists in particular. The problem is attributed to many factors. Figures are, to say the least, alarming. Last year alone, 1174 cases of suicide attempts were reported in the Kashmir valley. During the seven year duration from July 2000 to July 2007, more than 14,000 cases of suicide attempts have been recorded in hospitals across the Valley.
Unofficial surveys put the figure even higher. According to one such survey 24,000 persons have attempted suicide during the last 10 years. Moreover, the suicidal tendencies are found more among youth. Family problems, unemployment and identity crisis are regarded as the main causes for the increase in the trend.
According to Dr Arshad, a leading psychiatrist working in the city’s only psychiatric diseases hospital, "The mental diseases in Kashmir are on rapid rise. There has been a manifold increase in the suicidal cases because of depression and related psychological disorders."
Since the onset of the ongoing political turmoil in the state, depression among the youth has been on persistent rise. Leading sociologist of Valley, Bashir Ahmad Dabla said, “Different reasons have been found responsible for suicides among males and females. Males take the ultimate step mainly because of unemployment while females are forced to end their lives mainly because of late marriages.” He added, “Situation is becoming grave and with each passing day, the very social setup of Kashmir is on the verge of collapsing."
Ironically, parents have also a part to play in the despicable trend. By expecting too much from their wards, they put them under constant stress often leading to suicidal tendencies. Family pressures, pressures of modern life, academic pressures account for attempted suicides in Kashmir also. That violence and an uncertain future are among the main reasons for the increase in suicides in Kashmir is also proved by the fact that these cases have involved mostly the youth here.