KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Local sources in Kandahar say that a young man has died by suicide in the center of the province due to “economic problems.”
According to the sources, the incident occurred yesterday (Tuesday, April 7) in the “Choni” area of District 1 of Kandahar city, where the man hanged himself from the ceiling of his room and died.
Sources identified the man as Abdul Sattar, a 30-year-old resident.
Local Taliban authorities in Kandahar have not yet commented on the incident.
Similar cases of young people taking their own lives have previously been reported in Kandahar, often linked to economic hardship.
This incident highlights the growing impact of economic challenges on mental health in Afghanistan, where limited access to financial stability, employment opportunities, and psychological support continues to place increasing pressure on vulnerable individuals, particularly young people.
In a similar case reported six months ago, a young singer named Asher Ehsas died by suicide in Kabul. Ehsas, who had gained recognition through his participation in the popular television show Afghan Star, was found dead at his home in the Khair Khana area.
Originally from Panjshir province, he had reportedly been struggling with depression and living alone. His death drew attention to the increasing mental health challenges faced by young people in the country.
In addition, a report published two months ago by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted growing concerns over mental health support in Afghanistan. The report noted that mental health and psychosocial support activities have been suspended due to increasing restrictions, particularly affecting women and girls who rely heavily on such services.
It also pointed out that women’s access to healthcare remains limited in some areas, where they are required to be accompanied by a male guardian, further restricting access to essential support.
Afghanistan’s mental health crisis has deepened in recent years. A Gallup survey conducted in 2023 found that 98% of Afghans experience psychological distress — among the highest rates globally. Women and girls face even greater mental strain as they are barred from education, employment, and public spaces such as parks and gyms.
Investigations by Etilaatroz and KabulNow found that at least 213 people, mostly under the age of 20, took their own lives in 2023. The true figure is believed to be higher, as many cases go unreported due to Taliban restrictions on media and the stigma surrounding mental health in Afghanistan.
