Anantnag, Oct 10: Panic attacks, often overlooked in rural Kashmir, took center stage at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag as students turned real-life anxiety into drama, humour, and education during World Mental Health Week.
Peerzda Mufhim, 23, a psychology student from old town Anantnag, played a young man paralyzed by panic attacks after the September floods.
“He trembles, feels numb, and faints at the slightest drizzle or sometimes for no reason at all,”
The skit traced his journey from confusion to care, showing both harmful and helpful responses.
His friend Asif Khan, from remote Sondbarie-Kokernag, played a frontline health worker, while MBBS and nursing students rounded out the ensemble.
The performance begins with a severe panic attack and a frantic family rushing him to a primary health center, where trained staff identify the condition and advise professional psychiatric-mental healthcare.
But instead of following medical advice, the family first visits a fake faith healer, portrayed by Aaqib Hussain.
The healer claims the patient is possessed by a “demon,” misinterprets his words, and humorously demands an iPhone from the family – a sharp critique of outdated practices.
Finally, the young man reaches a psychiatrist, receives treatment, and is recommended therapy, thus pointing out that panic attacks, while sudden and overwhelming, are treatable with proper care.
Principal Prof Rukhsana Najeeb lauded the students.
“This skit shatters the stigma around mental health. Panic attacks are real and treatable, and creative, student-led efforts reach people far more effectively than lectures,” she said.
Head of Psychiatry, Dr Mansoor Ahmad Dar, emphasised the importance of mental health awareness, including that about panic attacks, panic disorders, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
“Even now, many panic attacks go unreported due to stigma, particularly in rural Kashmir. Timely professional care, education, and community outreach can save lives. This skit shows families the right path to recovery,” he said.
Directed by psychiatrist, Assistant Professor Dr Rehana Amin, DNB Dr Rasika, and Senior Resident, Dr Insha, the event also featured award-winning short films, a MindFest Quiz, and presentations on mental health in disaster situations.
“GMC Anantnag has treated more than 2.7 lakh mental health patients in the past five years, reflecting growing trust in professional care,” Dr Mansoor Ahmad said.
He said that the Department of Psychiatry had made significant progress in breaking taboos, with increasing referrals from other hospitals, as well as from specialties and super-specialties such as neurology, cardiology, and gastroenterology.
World Mental Health Week celebrations continue with school and college campaigns, outreach programs, and social media initiatives across south Kashmir, aiming to make mental health care accessible and stigma-free.
This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day (2025) is ‘Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”