Women in Kashmir are frequently characterized as strong, patient, and resilient. Although these remarks are intended to be complimentary, they also conceal a silent reality: women in this area bear an unseen psychological burden that is seldom recognized, talked about, and treated. Many women struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress—mostly in silence—behind the daily grind of running households, taking care of children and the elderly, making financial contributions, and keeping families together during uncertain times.

It is impossible to comprehend Kashmiri women’s mental health issues in isolation. They are closely linked to long-term stressors such losses brought on byunstable economic conditions, frequent disturbances to everyday living, and social stigma with mental health treatments. Gender-specific pressures also exist, such as the need to maintain emotional fortitude, put family demands ahead of one’s own, and put up with hardship without complaining. Asking for assistance is frequently viewed as a sign of weakness or failure, especially for women who are supposed to be the family’s emotional pillars.

The fact that psychological anguish often takes the form of physical symptoms is one of the most neglected aspects of women’s mental health in Kashmir. Words like “depression” or “anxiety” are not frequently used by women. Rather, they complain of persistent back pain,........

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