Srinagar, Oct. 13 -- Are you ok? It is a simple question, but sometimes it can mean a lot. The real question is not only whether we ask it, but whether we are ready to listen when someone says, "No, I am not okay."

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October each year. The theme for this year was "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change", which calls for us to go beyond raising awareness. People who have faced issues related to their mental wellbeing have much to teach us. It is not enough to just listen to these experiences, but to learn from them and improve our mental healthcare services.

The importance of this discussion in Jammu and Kashmir is greater than ever because there are various sources of stress that affe...