Paper
Navigating Mental Healthcare Access: Challenges for Youth in the Border Regions of Jammu and Kashmir
presenters
Shreyashee Pandey
Nationality: India
Residence: India
Research scholar
Presence:Online
The border areas of Jammu and Kashmir have endured prolonged periods of conflict and instability, which have had profound implications for the mental well-being of the region's inhabitants, particularly the youth. This study aims to explore the disparities in access to mental healthcare services faced by young people aged 18-25 years residing in these border regions.
Drawing upon ethnographic fieldwork and in-depth interviews, this research investigates the multifaceted barriers that impede young people's ability to access appropriate mental healthcare services. It delves into the sociocultural factors, including stigma, marginalization, and cultural beliefs surrounding mental health, that shape help-seeking behaviors and attitudes toward mental healthcare. Additionally, the study examines the structural and logistical challenges, such as limited resources, lack of infrastructure, and geographic isolation, that exacerbate inequalities in mental healthcare access for this population.
By adopting a critical medical anthropological lens, this research seeks to unravel the complex interplay between the socio-political context of the border regions, cultural norms, and the lived experiences of young people navigating mental health challenges. It aims to shed light on the urgent need for culturally responsive and tailored interventions to address the mental healthcare needs of this vulnerable population effectively.
Ultimately, this study aspires to inform policy and practice by providing insights into the unique barriers faced by youth in these regions, thereby contributing to the development of inclusive and equitable mental healthcare strategies that prioritize the well-being of marginalized communities in conflict-affected areas.
Keywords:
Mental health, youth, border areas, Jammu and Kashmir