In Kashmir, spring blooms drive away the blues

Seasonal affective disorder is common in Srinagar, a city riddled with the twin realities of a harsh winter and terrorism, but with spring, a lot changes

Spring is the only season that Khalida Jan, 71, finds she can smile in. Her son disappeared after security forces allegedly picked him up from north Kashmir in 1992, and life has never been the same again for her.

“Maybe the bright light of the sun, green cover, and blooming flowers remind me of the happy times we lived in, before 1992,” Ms. Jan said.

As spring breaks, psychiatrists in Kashmir are able to help their patients who are battling seasonal affective disorder (SAD) brought on by the harsh whiteness of winter and decreased sunlight, along with conflict-induced depression, transition out of antidepressant medication.

It’s not just the change of scenery, it’s also a time when people can begin going out after the winter’s ice and snow. They are joining families and friends to enjoy the first flowering in the Valley’s gardens and parks, with almond, peach, cherry, and apricot blossom. This year, the Tulip Garden expects to see the blooming of 1.5 million tulips in different colours. All this acts as mental health therapy, according to Valley-based psychiatrists.

Zakir Mir, a resident of Pulwama, visited the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar, in the first week of March with some “good news” for his physician. With grey and grim winter paving the way for a colourful, sunny spring, Mr. Mir told his psychiatrist that he was feeling better and “ready to give up antidepressants”.

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