Mental health alarms ring in J&K; over 15,000 calls since January this year

Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with an alarming rise in mental health issues, marked by increasing cases of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, with women emerging as the most vulnerable group.
Data obtained by Rising Kashmir reveals a concerning mental health scenario in the Union Territory. Since its launch in November 2022, the Tele-MANAS helpline, operated by the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Kashmir, has received over 90,000 distress calls, highlighting the growing crisis.
In 2025 alone, the helpline has recorded more than 15,000 calls, signaling a sharp upward trend. Dr. Mohd Abrar Guroo, Senior Consultant at Tele-MANAS, told Rising Kashmir that the increase reflects greater awareness and reduced stigma surrounding mental health, as well as an urgent need for accessible support services.
“We have witnessed a steady rise in call volumes as people are increasingly opening up and seeking help — a positive cultural shift,” Dr. Guroo said. “However, it also underscores how deeply mental health issues are affecting our communities.”
The helpline has managed a spectrum of cases, from mild emotional distress and academic pressure to suicidal tendencies, substance abuse, and psychiatric emergencies. Young women and adolescents constitute a large portion of callers, facing anxiety, relationship problems, and exam stress, while the elderly report loneliness, grief, and age-related mental health challenges.
To address the rising demand, Tele-MANAS has introduced video OPD consultations, connecting patients in remote areas with qualified psychiatrists for assessments and follow-ups. “These services fill critical gaps in care by providing both medical and therapeutic support,” said Dr. Guroo.
Dr. Aijaz Ahmed Suhaf, Assistant Professor and Senior Consultant at IMHANS, warned that untreated depression often leads vulnerable groups — especially youth and elderly — toward suicide.
“Romanticising suicide is disturbingly common, with methods such as drowning, hanging, and leaving suicide notes frequently observed,” he said. “This often begins with unresolved anxiety and depression.”
He emphasised that Tele-MANAS acts as a crucial intervention point, offering structured treatment plans, counselling, and, where necessary, medication.
“We’ve had many success stories. With personalized care and sustained support, people can and do recover,” he noted. Experts believe the mental health crisis in J&K is compounded by chronic stress, political instability, unemployment, and social isolation. Yet, the growing use of helplines and telepsychiatry shows that the tide may be turning.
“Mental health support is becoming more accessible, affordable, and—most importantly—stigma-free,” said Dr. Guroo. “Tele-MANAS is no longer just a helpline—it’s evolving into a comprehensive mental healthcare system integrated with district and community services.”