Rehabilitation and stability will be easier if mental health is used while establishing peace in Kashmir.
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| Photo (https://unsplash.com/photos/Thc9xjSu4dM) |
In the Jammu and Kashmir Valley, the mental health of the people is deteriorating due to the years-long conflict between the Indian security forces and terrorists. According to the Kashmir Mental Health Survey 2015 of Medicines Sons Frontiers (MSF) India, University of Kashmir and University of Mental Health and Neuroscience, 1.8 million Kashmiri people in the state showed symptoms of mental stress.
The survey also found that 4.15 lakh people in the state were suffering from severe mental stress. That is why all concerned political parties should take initiative to improve the mental health of the people of Kashmir Valley. The crisis has led to an increase in the use of prescription drugs in Kashmir. Unemployment administration's negligence and corruption are some of the reasons behind the rampant sale of illicit drugs in Kashmir. Given these reasons, the significant increase in demand for a drug called benzodiazepines in the state is a cause for concern.
Mental health disorders are on the rise due to the constant conflict among the people of Kashmir Valley. Ordinary civilians here have no control over the political and military conflict. The long-running dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan and the deployment of troops in residential areas of the state have also led to militancy. In this situation, the general public is helpless. But this kind of lifestyle makes the Kashmiri people feel stressed and they try to adapt to the situation in some way. This mental state needs to be studied in depth.
Presented in September-October last year, the author studied Kashmiri and non-Kashmiri students in the age group of 18-25 for postgraduate research. The subject of this study was how they cope with the stress that these students have to face in their daily life. About 60 graduates were included in the study. Of these, 30 were students from Kashmir and the same number from Delhi. Interviews of 20 students were also included in the study. The questions required for this study were prepared on the basis of COPE inventory.
Psychological research has been using these questions for a long time to find solutions to deal with such situations. The study also looked at the stresses that come from academic exams and personal relationships. Such research on people living in war-torn areas has rarely been done. This helped to identify the factors that affect mental health due to stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other factors besides anxiety.
During the interview, Kashmiri students expressed concern about the 'lack of coherent curriculum' and the uncertainty in attendance due to continuous closures.
One student said, 'Normally, schools are open 250 days a year. But the school is closed for 150 days. This is how our academic life is. ' Due to the ongoing conflict in Kashmir, schools do not start regularly. This prevents students from mixing with each other. E.g. One student said that when he was old enough to learn in school, he would sit at home and spend time watching programs on television. He said, ‘We can’t get out of the house because of the curfew. There are no other teaching facilities here. So we have become lazy sitting at home. '
Students also said that because of the lack of regular schooling, 'social structures increase stress.' Emphasis is placed on collective values in Kashmiri society. It does not take into account the personal preferences of the student or any individual. If someone dies in Kashmir, the news reaches everyone because of the social structure there. This is the biggest cause of mental stress in students. Speaking on political conflicts and collective interests, the students said that these things are very important to them.
Due to the ongoing conflict in the state and the presence of security forces, young children cannot meet each other and go to schools regularly. That is why these children become more and more dependent on their family. Most of their conversations were with family members. Such a role of these families makes these children very aware of the collective interest and thus increases the tension among Kashmiri students about academic examinations. One student said that when the children go to the exams, his family stands outside the school. As the kids get out, they are asked about their exams!
How do people in Kashmir cope with stress ?
After talking to the students, it was learned that out of the 13 measures given in the COPE inventory to deal with stress, four measures (religion, acceptance, gaining social support and prevention) were adopted. The table below shows that most students have chosen to convert. The next option is to increase acceptance.
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| Photo (Research by Pratah.News Team) |
The students we interviewed also adopted the most religious approach. From one such interview, we learned, 'When you are close to your God, your mind gets the most peace. Whenever I read the Quran, I find peace. When you bow down to God, you touch your soul. ' This shows the importance of religion in a society plagued by political conflict and violence. Along with religion, 'acceptance' was also mentioned in measures to deal with stress. In this way people are willing to accept the reality of stressful situations, but they do not try to change that situation.
After analyzing the student interviews, we understood the role of ‘acceptance’ in this situation. ‘Mental disengagement’ means that there are many students who take measures to keep themselves away from stressful situations. In this type, one engages oneself in some other process to divert attention from the thing that causes discomfort or stress. E.g. Watching movies. The survey clearly shows how the religious and social context in Kashmir is related to the tensions of an ordinary Kashmiri citizen.
Meaning of study results
The results of this study show how Kashmiri students seek external control. Frequent strikes and curfews in the state restrict the freedom of ordinary citizens. It also determines what a person can and cannot do. Analysis of stress management measures also shows that people try to reduce stress with the help of external agencies. Looking at children who try to stay away from things that increase stress shows that students actually have limited solutions to deal with it. E.g. Cinemas are banned in the Kashmir Valley. Normally big cities have malls for people to roam, but Kashmir does not have this option either. The internet may be a solution, but in Kashmir the internet connection is never shut down.
Conclusion
Avoiding physical violence is not the only way to rehabilitate a person who has been a victim of political conflict, but it is an important part. This process is called 'negative silence'. The Central and State Governments should consider the option beyond negative peace. The government should take care of these things in the process of maintaining peace in Kashmir. This will help to find improved solutions to the mental health crisis in that state. Although it is difficult to find a quick solution to the current political crisis in Kashmir, understanding the socio-cultural and socio-religious situation there will go a long way in safeguarding the mental health and of the masses of the state of Kashmir. If mental health criteria are adopted while establishing peace, it will be convenient to create rehabilitation and stability in the Kashmir Valley.
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