The Nepal Weekly 
May 2, 2023
By Roman Prajapati
Mental health is the foundation for overall well-being, yet it remains a subject that many people are still reluctant to talk about. Mental health has been a hot topic for a long period of time and the concern action towards it has been very low, especially in developing countries like Nepal. The pandemic (Covid-19) has highlighted the limitations of existing mental health services in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conceptualizes mental health as a “state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”. So, it’s not merely the absence of mental illness but also about the quality of individual life and how they can cope with the situation that they face in their everyday life, fulfilling relationships with others, adapting to change, and managing stress.
Mental health needs to be valued the same way we value any other illness or physical conditions that are prevalent in our society. It is stated that 1 in every 8 people suffer from a mental health problem in their lifetime. When it comes to health people generally talk about their physical health and rarely about mental health. As of now, people have started to be compassionate towards mental health. People are more into the practice of positive mental health, positive practices, meditation, yoga, and self-care practices.
However, despite the increased awareness and growing positive practices, mental illness remains stigmatized and often misunderstood. People still find it hard to talk about mental health openly and still consider the taboos.This stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help, leaving them to suffer in silence. Mental illness has been a rising issue that can be seen in the individual of our society. Mental health is regarded as a distinct domain, in developing countries, which is perceived separate service and affordable cost.
The government allocates less than 1% of its healthcare budget to mental health services, and there are only 12 psychological counselling centers and 50 psychiatric clinics for the entire population. According to WHO-special-initiative-country-report-2022, the gap in the population to mental health professions is immense, with 0.5 psychiatrists, 0.12 clinical psychologists, and 2.4 lay counselors, per 1,00,000 population. Most of these are bounded to urban areas causing the effect on special care and quality mental health services.
Nowadays, the youth have a subtle interest in mental health as they are the ones who are confronted with psychological problems related to isolation, anxiety, loneliness, frustrations, addictions, insecurities, depression, fears, and worry. Social media like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram have given people the confidence to bring up their struggle with mental health and the challenges they face due to mental illness.
Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, and social status and have a ripple effect on the family and people surrounding them. In other to break the stigma surrounding mental health an important step is to promote awareness and encourage individuals to seek help for themselves. It can involve a variety of strategies, including education, awareness campaigns, community outreach, and support. Other includes understanding and empathy towards individuals with mental health conditions to fight stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding mental health.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being that cannot be overlooked. It is essential to recognize that mental illness is not a personal weakness, but a medical condition that requires treatment and care. There is an urgent need to integrate and enhance mental health services, as well as improve health professionals’ abilities and skills, to improve and strengthen access to mental health for the country’s impacted individuals. In a nation like Nepal, where basic mental health services are not available to a huge number of people, talking about mental health treatment and promotion may seem pointless. However, treating mental diseases and preventing and promoting mental health are interdependent and can coexist. Combining mental health prevention and promotion initiatives with overall public health policies reduces stigma, increases cost-effectiveness, and will have a variety of good consequences.
Mental health is not just a buzzword but a fundamental human right.
