On that cloudy day, in a dicey weather, dark gloom descended over the horizon. It was a sad and startling news to hear that a promising youngster had died by suicide. It sent shivers down our spine. Most people were perpetuating narratives of vilification. We can rarely find the people who have impeccable character. Everyone has a dark side.
In this grievous and gruesome incident, it came to the fore that the deceased person was adamant to marry a divorced woman which was not approved by his defiant family as they thought it was just a passing whim! Adil (name changed) didn’t toe this line. The rumours couldn’t be scotched. Meanwhile, gadflies also nosed around and spewed their venom. It was hurtful.
Alas, he could no longer bear it. He was depressed and left everyone as well as the interminable pain.
It was a heart piercing tragedy which will always haunt us. The discussions divulged many bitter realities which clearly show how we as society have become enablers of such tragedies. It is as though we derive sadistic pleasure from pushing the vulnerable against the wall. Slowly and sadly, desperation and indignity become too much for them to bear.
In Kashmir, there is an alarming increase in mental illnesses which has its roots in the turn of events, starting 1989. A large number of people suffer from depression, mood swings, mental revulsions and other severe ailments. The fallout of these problems has given rise to drug abuse, alcohol addiction, chain-smoking, rash driving, gang fights and impetuous behavior among the youngsters.
It is high time for us to look deeper into the pitfalls which have trapped us in this vexing situation. We have to parse the severity of the situation keenly and consciously to act now before we are left with only shame and shock. We have become so apathetic about the pain of others that we dilly dally in gossiping, and bad mouthing about others. We have lost that human touch a long time ago. When someone is falling apart we ensure that we pull him down further.
In Kashmir, when more than 1.6 million adults are suffering from depression as per 2015 survey, it’s high time for us to look at the grave situation, and introspect. Instead of hurling invectives and addressing them by demeaning nicknames, we should be kind enough towards our fellow human beings who are going through traumatic experiences. We should do our bit to get them out of this mental distress.
We connive without a scruple of shame. We are complacent and always keen on catching others on a wrong foot. It might seem innocuous to take a dig at others or look trivial but our fatuous remarks leave a long lasting negative impact over those who we target. We are fond of pestering others and have become vicious and venomous to the extent that we turn a blind eye to our own faults and foolishness.
Everyone is going through different trials and tests. By our arrogant and apathetic attitude, we actually afflict more hardships, and hound our targets. When we indulge in the claptrap of ignorance and indifference, we make it very hard for them to live a peaceful life. It is unsettling for them. They get caught in the precarious life crises. We have already lost too much to the ongoing conflict. Connect the dots and do your bit before it is too late.
Life is not always hunky dory. Everyone has their share of struggles and sufferings. Everyone navigates through challenges and criticism. Some have succeeded while others are stumbling. We should not stultify those who have fallen. What we are going to get by exacerbating and trashing people? In reality, doesn’t that speak volumes about us?
We can either choose to be supportive or sarcastic, bitter or better. We have seen enough of vice and violence. In the disguise of humans, let’s not be devils. We can notch up the victory over the mental crises by feeling the pain of our fellow beings. Live and let others also live peacefully. Be loving and caring to others – it’s not just the medicines but also our beautiful manners and memories which have power and positive impact upon those who are going through mental anguish. Let’s do our part by helping and healing others – by our acts of kindness, love and laughter.