Suicide not merely individual problem but linked to social, cultural circumstances: Registrar CUK

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-09-10 19:26:12 |

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'Suicide is no solution to problems. Face challenges with courage and resilience, and share this message with your peers'

KS News Desk

Ganderbal, Sep 10: Health Centre and Department of Students Welfare (DSW) of Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Wednesday organised a programme on the theme “Changing The Narrative on Suicide,” to mark the “World Suicide Prevention Day 2025,” at Tulmulla campus.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK).

Addressing the gathering, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, drew attention to the sociological understanding of suicide.

Recalling Emile Durkheim’s work on suicide wherein he (Emile) categorised suicide into four types viz Egoistic suicide, Altruistic suicide, Anomie suicide and Fatalistic suicide, Dr. Nisar, said, suicides are not merely psychiatric or individual problems but also deeply linked to social and cultural circumstances.

“When the ego of a person is hurt—whether by family pressure, academic outcomes, or societal judgement—it often leads to egoistic suicide. Similarly, law and order issues and societal instability push people towards anomic suicide,” he said.

Registrar CUK asked the participants never be cowed down by circumstances. "Life is precious. Suicide is no solution to problems. Face challenges with courage and resilience, and share this message with your peers," he said.

Dean School of Legal Studies, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, in his address placed a strong emphasis on nurturing positivity as a shield against despair.

Citing examples from student experiences and anecdotes, he urged young people to reframe setbacks as hidden opportunities.

“Anxiety disorders and despair can be prevented if we cultivate a positive attitude towards life. Believe in hard work, and leave the results to destiny,” he said.

Prof. Mir reminded students that failures are often stepping stones to greater achievements. “Be positive, always choose the hopeful interpretation of life, and never surrender to despair,” he said.

Consultant Psychiatrist, JLNM Hospital, Srinagar Dr. Majid Shafi, in his presentation, provided an overview of the mental health landscape in Kashmir.

He said that surveys show that nearly 45% of adults in the region experience distress, 41% probable depression, and 26% anxiety, with limited mental health infrastructure to address these challenges.

“Kashmir has only about 100 psychiatrists serving its population, which is inadequate,” he said.

He said suicide rates in the Valley rose from 0.5 per 100,000 before 1990 to 13 per 100,000 by 2020, with youth between 16–25 years most affected. In 2022 alone, J&K reported 600 suicides, of which 375 were in Kashmir.

"The warning signs for suicide are often visible—withdrawal from friends, sudden mood changes, talk about hopelessness, or declining academic performance. The key is to notice them, respond with empathy, and encourage professional help," he said.

Earlier, Dr. Reehana Shawl, Assistant Prof. Department of Law, said the objective of organising such programmes is to raise awareness, breaking the stigma around mental health, and encouraging communities and individuals to play an active role in preventing suicides.

Dr. Sheeba Nazir, Medical Officer, proposed the vote of thanks at the occasion.