Mental illness, like physical illness, can happen to anyone. We don’t blame someone’s faith when they have diabetes, headache, injury, or a broken leg. But when it comes to depression or anxiety, we suddenly assume that the problem is spiritual weakness.

Common sayings in Kashmir

There are many proverbs and phrases in our society that reflect this mindset:

“Yeli ne cxe imanaae chu, ave chu depression”

(Your faith is weak, that’s why you have depression.)

“Cxe chune khudayas peth bharosae”

(You don’t trust Allah.)

“Yeli ne namaze pareith, adee kya gase?”

(When you don’t pray, that’s why you are feeling all this?)

“Yus namaz paraan chu, temis chune depression gassaan”

(One who prays cannot get depressed.)

Spirituality and Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective from Kashmir

Spirituality is widely regarded as one of the core coping mechanisms individuals adopt........

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