Mental health concerns and substance abuse are increasingly being reported across Kashmir, particularly among the younger population. In my day-to-day work at Government Unani Hospital Shalteng, I frequently come across patients—many of them quite young—struggling with stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, early stages of substance dependence. What is equally concerning is that many individuals seek help only after their condition has already begun to affect their personal and family lives.

Over time, it has become clear that addressing such issues requires more than just symptomatic treatment. There is a growing need for approaches that are not only effective but also sustainable and acceptable to patients over the long term.

At our hospital, we have been working towards such an approach by combining counselling with AYUSH-based interventions, particularly yoga and Panchkarma therapies. Counselling remains the first and most important step, as it helps patients understand their condition and encourages them to actively participate in their recovery. However, many patients also benefit from supportive........

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