ISLAMABAD: A comprehensive study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (IMHANS) sheds light on the alarming prevalence of academic stress among students in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K).
The study, titled “Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity Among School-Going Adolescents in the Age Group of 13–19 Years,” exposes a concerning pattern of mental health challenges among adolescents in the region.
The study, conducted across 16 schools in the twin districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal, reveals that approximately 60-65 percent of school-going adolescents in the occupied territory experience academic-related stress. Psychiatric morbidity, a combination of anxiety and depression, is identified as a widespread issue among these adolescents, often going unnoticed and untreated.
Depression emerges as the most common psychiatric illness among male adolescents, while anxiety disorders are more prevalent among females. The study emphasizes the role of various stressors, including academic pressure, personal life challenges, and environmental stress, as contributing factors to psychiatric morbidity.
Dr. Ubaid Rasool, one of the study’s authors, underscores the need for a shift in the attitude of teachers towards students, given the high levels of academic stress reported. The study identifies a higher prevalence of academic stress in Ganderbal district, attributed to fewer outdoor activities in rural areas compared to urban regions.
The findings highlight a worrisome trend, particularly among students in classes 9-12, who are grappling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Dr. Yasir Hassan, a Professor at IMHANS, underscores the urgency of addressing these mental health issues during adolescence, as unresolved challenges may escalate to suicidal tendencies in the future.
This study underscores the imperative of a holistic approach to mental health in the educational system, emphasizing the well-being of students in IIOJ&K.
