The Escalation of Suicide Cases in Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one’s own life. It is a tragic and complex phenomenon influenced by various factors such as mental health issues, psychological distress, societal pressures, trauma, and environmental circumstances.
It is often considered a result of severe emotional pain and hopelessness, and it can have profound effects on families, communities, and societies as a whole. Preventing suicide involves addressing these underlying factors through effective mental health support, social interventions, and community engagement.
Kashmir is also facing an alarming increase in the rate of suicides. The escalation of suicide cases in Kashmir is a deeply concerning trend that demands urgent attention and intervention. In recent years, the region has witnessed a disturbing rise in suicide rates, reflecting underlying social, economic, and political challenges. This phenomenon not only poses a significant public health crisis but also sheds light on the complex dynamics and the impact of prolonged conflict on the mental well-being of Kashmiri residents. Understanding the root causes and implementing effective preventive measures is paramount to address this pressing issue and safeguard the lives of individuals in the region. In Kashmir, it is alleged that suicides are said to have claimed the second-highest number of lives after militancy. In the entire State, at least one suicide is recorded every alternate day and there is hardly a hamlet or Mohalla that was left untouched by more than one incident of suicide attempts.
The Jhelum River, which flows through the Srinagar city and has seven bridges spanning it, has become a common site of suicides in Srinagar. According to expert opinion, drug addiction remains a prominent factor, essentially a form of self-harm. The expert notes that children are often reluctant to confide in their parents about their struggles, exacerbating the issue. Multiple factors contribute to the suicide environment in Kashmir, stemming from flawed socio-cultural norms. Those who take their own lives are essentially protesting against this flawed system, reacting to their victimization.
Concerning children, conventional rather than scientific approaches are commonly employed, depriving them of necessary choices and conducive environments. This has resulted in a concerning trend of youth suicides over the past decade, indicating systemic societal issues. The root of the problem lies within the family unit, where children are left vulnerable to the influence of technology and gadgets, leading to excessive internet use. Consequently, adolescents engage in harmful activities without fully understanding the repercussions on their well-being.
Moreover, individuals grappling with emotional issues tend to be introverted, allowing their pain to accumulate until it drives them to extreme measures like suicide, viewing it as a shortcut to escape their problems. Marital stress also negatively impacts children, potentially leading to suicidal thoughts. It’s crucial for parents to responsibly handle their disputes and actively contribute to their child’s development.
There exist myriad reasons why individuals may contemplate suicide, ranging from parental pressure and academic setbacks to a lack of moral and religious guidance, mental health issues, traumatic experiences, substance abuse, bereavement, relationship struggles, and feelings of hopelessness. However, suicides are not inevitable. Through effective, evidence-based interventions at various levels — population-wide, within specific demographics, and on an individual basis — we can significantly reduce the occurrence of suicide and suicide attempts. Strategies include limiting access to common means of suicide (such as pesticides, firearms, and certain medications), responsible media reporting, interventions within educational settings, policies targeting the harmful consumption of alcohol, early identification and treatment of mental health disorders, chronic pain management, and addressing acute emotional distress. Additionally, training non-specialized healthcare providers in the assessment and management of suicidal behaviour and ensuring comprehensive follow-up care for individuals who have attempted suicide are crucial steps. Community support networks also play a vital role in prevention efforts.
People need help, love, motivation and understanding. We together have the power to stop the menace and provide an environment where people vulnerable to suicide can talk openly, express their feelings and talk about their problems. At times they just need someone to tell them that everything is going to be okay. Just do your part, listen to people and help them overcome drastic steps like taking their life. Empathies and understanding that suicide is not the nature of a person but just a state of mind that can be dealt with positively. Just like any of us, they deserve to have a good life and that can be possible only when society comes together and joins hands to solve this problem. Life is a gift; we can use it to its fullest and help save the lives of the people who can have an equal opportunity to enjoy their gift. Problems are not the end; they can be sorted out and dealt with and ending your life is no solution to it. Throwing our book of life in the fire is no solution. We were not born to be quitters, ask for help and speak up about our problems. Live a life that would uplift you and you will look back one day, all proud of how far you have come.
Originally submitted to www.theviralpost.online by Asif Ahmad Dar.
Note: Asif Ahmad Dar is a scholar with an LLM degree from the University of Asia Pacific in Dhaka and a BA-LLB from the School of Law at the University of Kashmir. Views, data and opinions expressed are his own and do not represent the stance of The Viral Post.
