I am Nighat, a 24 years old woman from Shadipora of district Bandipora. Due to continuing conflict in Kashmir during the last 18 years there has been a phenomenon increase in psychiatric morbidity. Women in rural Kashmir have silently suffered and their mental health crisis has only worsened over and there are so many reasons for this like gender based violence, harassment, domestic violence and other issues. Also, there is a lot of stigma associated with it. I personally faced so many challenges in my life. There are no spaces where one can talk about the issues we face and seek support. I was going through very tough time in my life. I had stress and anxiety.

one day I came to know about “Mental Health Matters Program” of Sky Trust Kashmir.  An initiative of Sky Trust Kashmir to educate young people on mental health and promote positivity around it.  I also joined the program and came to know about many new and positive things around mental health. I am now more aware about myself and positive ways to keep myself mentally well. I am now able to help others as well. It is an amazing journey and I wish this program will continue and maximum will be benefited.