Nazira Maqbool
The art of letting go is often said to be the art of living. In life, we fail, we cry, we learn, and we grow—and perhaps that is the real meaning of existence. But in today’s fast-paced and competitive world, the rise of depression and anxiety has made mental health one of the most urgent concerns. Survival without stress has become difficult, and the pressure to achieve more than others is silently crushing many lives.
Not long ago, words like depression or anxiety were rarely spoken about. People suffered in silence, often too afraid to share their pain. It is only in recent years that mental health has been openly recognized, studied, and discussed. Yet, in places like Kashmir, the weight of life carries a unique burden. Families have faced unbearable trauma—losing sons, mothers, brothers, and husbands to conflict. These losses leave wounds on the hearts of those left behind, scars that never completely heal.
Among all the aspects of life affected by conflict, education has suffered the most. The creativity and brilliance of Kashmiri minds have too often been overshadowed by instability and uncertainty. Many educated youths remain unemployed, not because they lack talent, but because society and history have placed challenges before them that are far beyond their control. Their struggles are not the result of laziness but of systemic hardships that continue to hold them back.
Another rising concern is the culture of cut-throat competition. The race for exams like NEET has consumed the teenage years of countless students. Instead of enjoying their youth with curiosity and joy, many are pushed into a narrow path with only one or two career choices.
Those who fail to secure success in these exams feel lost, as if there is no other way forward. The lack of career opportunities only deepens this struggle, and many students begin to believe that their worth is defined only by academic results.
This is where schools and institutions can make a powerful difference. By holding seminars, career counseling sessions, and awareness programs, they can open young eyes to the vast array of opportunities beyond the traditional paths. Every child is different, and every talent deserves recognition. Society, too, must change its role. Instead of mocking or discouraging failures, it must encourage the young to dream, explore, and choose careers that match their true strengths. Success is not just about beating others in competition; it is about discovering one’s own purpose and following it with courage.
It is important to remind ourselves and the youth that no one is a failure unless they lose hope. Where hope lives, opportunities always exist. The young generation of Kashmir, and indeed the world, must learn to stand up for themselves and their dreams. They need resilience to face struggles, support to keep moving forward, and guidance to choose wisely.
If the right environment is created where schools guide, society encourages, and families support—then the youth can rise above circumstances. They can transform their hardships into strength and turn survival into true living. Depression, anxiety, and stress may be challenges, but they are not the end of the road. With hope, courage, and determination, tomorrow can still be brighter.
