ActionAid has opened the first telephone hotline in Kashmir to help people come to terms with the stress and anxiety caused by the 17 year conflict between insurgents and armed forces.

Health professionals say violence between separatists – who want an independent Kashmir - and security forces has pushed up stress levels and put local people under increasing strain.

In many cases already high levels of anxiety about the conflict have been compounded by the October 2005 earthquake, in which 1400 people died in Kashmir .

"Mental health is a big concern in Kashmir . ActionAid has opened a hotline, which we hope will help people suffering intense anxiety due to the decades of violence," says ActionAid campaign manager Kiran Shaheen .

Advertisements running in local papers promise help to people suffering from “stress or depression” or those who “feel lonely” or “demotivated” or suffer from “mood swings”.

A lack of awareness and stigma attached to seeing a psychiatrist means most of those in need of help don't get it, says Dr Syed Abinah Nawaz of Kashmir 's only psychiatric hospital.

"We are daily flooded with patients. I'm sure ActionAid's hotline will help us too," he adds. The hotline is already receiving an average of 20 calls a day.

ActionAid’s rights based approach to conflict and emergencies highlights post-conflict and disaster care as a key element in helping individuals and communities to recover.