Understanding Mental Health and Why It’s Important
WHO has defined mental health as a state where an individual is able to manage and deal with his/her day to day stresses, can realize his/her potentials, and work productively and contribute to society at large. Despite its importance, mental health is often overlooked, misunderstood, or stigmatized. This lack of understanding can lead to prolonged suffering for individuals and communities. Awareness of mental health helps us identify signs of issues early, seek help when needed, and support others. It is important to note that mental health is not a “Yes” or “No” but is a state of well-being in a continuum, and even individuals without a diagnosed mental illness can experience poor mental health. Mental health issues are conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood, often resulting in distress and difficulties in functioning in everyday life. These issues can range from common conditions like anxiety and depression to more severe disorders such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. mental health issues are defined by their ability to disrupt a person’s ability to manage life’s stresses, work productively, and form meaningful relationships. mental health issues are multifactorial and arise due to various factors such as biological factors, psychological factors, or environmental factors. This is called biopsychosocial paradigm. Being aware of mental health and mental health issues is crucial to one’s functioning now. Being able to understand one’s own or of other’s distress is crucial. Only by this one can be aware of their own https://psychologynepal.com/blog/mental-health-in-nepal/ state but of others and offer help when they realize that others are suffering and that there are proven possible methods to overcome them.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health problems are common. mental health issues, according to global studies find that one in five people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders have become prevalent. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, has brought attention to how societal stressors can affect the mental health of individuals globally, emphasizing the importance of being mindful and aware about psychological well-being. mental health issues are not character flaws or signs of weakness. Understanding this normalizes help-seeking, opens doors to mental health care, and ensures individuals know they are not alone in their struggles. One in five are suffering from some form of mental health issues which requires some form of help. mental health awareness also combats misconceptions. Many believe mental health conditions are rare or can simply be "overcome" with willpower. However, mental health issues are just as real and impactful as physical health problems. By being more aware, we reduce the harmful effects of these myths and promote a more supportive and understanding society. The Role of Stigma in mental health One of the greatest barriers to improving mental health is the stigma associated with it. Stigma refers to the negative attitudes or discrimination against people based on their mental health status. The fear of being judged, ostracized, or labeled often prevents people from seeking the help they need. People suffering from mental illness may internalize stigma, leading to feelings of shame and guilt. This self-stigmatization exacerbates their struggles, creating a vicious cycle where they avoid treatment and their conditions worsen over time. Stigma in mental health is fueled by misinformation, cultural taboos, and lack of education. Some common stereotypes include thinking that mental health conditions are contagious, a sign of moral failure, or that people with these conditions are violent or dangerous. These views are not only false but harmful, as they can discourage people from seeking the care they desperately need. Breaking the stigma starts with awareness, talking about it, and accepting that it is not the fault of the individual and there are means to help and overcome the conditions. Openly discussing mental health in schools, workplaces, and communities, we can foster a culture of empathy, reduce discrimination, and encourage those who are suffering to reach out for support. WHO has identified some form of mental health issues as common in general people and labelled them as the Common Mental Disorders (CMD).
Mental Health in NepalIn Nepal, mental health is an increasingly pressing issue, and still remains one of the most overlooked sectors of health care. The socio-cultural context, lack of resources, and widespread stigma present unique challenges in addressing mental health problems in the country. Challenges in mental health Services
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Limited Mental Health Infrastructure: Nepal has a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with only a handful of psychiatrists and clinical psychologists available for the entire population. Most mental health services are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations underserved. In remote regions, geographical challenges and lack of transportation make access to care almost impossible.
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Cultural and Social Stigma: Mental illness in Nepal is often viewed through a religious or supernatural lens. Many people believe that mental health conditions are caused by spirit possession, curses, or as a result of past karma. These beliefs prevent individuals from seeking medical or psychological help, pushing them toward traditional healers instead of professional care.
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Lack of Awareness: Mental health awareness is still in its infancy in Nepal. Many people, particularly in rural communities, don’t understand what mental health is or how to identify its problems. This ignorance often results in people suffering in silence, not realizing they are dealing with treatable conditions like depression or anxiety.
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Trauma from Political Conflict and Disasters: Nepal has faced prolonged political instability, including the Maoist insurgency, which has left many citizens grappling with trauma, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Natural disasters like the 2015 earthquake further compounded the mental health challenges, leaving survivors with long-term emotional scars and very few mental health resources to turn to.
- World Health Organization. Mental health: strengthening our response. World Health Organization. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
- World Health Organization. Mental health in the South-East Asia Region. World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia. 2021. Available from: https://www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/mental-health
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- Jordans MJD, Kohrt BA, Luitel NP, Komproe IH, Lund C. Accuracy of proactive case detection of mental disorders by community informants in Nepal. The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2015;207(6):501–6. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.114.152678
- Kohrt BA, Speckman RA, Kunz RD, Baldwin JL, Upadhaya N, Acharya NR, et al. Culture in psychiatric epidemiology: using ethnography and multiple mediator models to assess the relationship of caste with depression and anxiety in Nepal. Annals of Human Biology. 2009;36(3):261–80. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/03014460902839194
Progress and Hope for the Future
Despite these challenges, Nepal is slowly making strides in improving its mental health landscape. Organizations like CMCS Nepal are playing a pivotal role by offering mental health services, training mental health professionals, and raising awareness about mental health issues. In recent years, the government has also begun integrating mental health services into primary health care systems, a significant step towards making mental health care more accessible. However, there’s still a long way to go in providing widespread, effective mental health support, particularly for rural populations.
A focus on school-based mental health initiatives, community outreach, and destigmatizing mental health through education campaigns will be essential in moving forward. The mental health of Nepal’s citizens, especially in the wake of natural disasters, migration, and socio-economic instability, must be addressed with urgency and compassion.
Conclusion
Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being, yet it's often misunderstood and stigmatized. Greater awareness can help reduce stigma, encourage individuals to seek help, and promote a healthier, more empathetic society. In Nepal, addressing mental health is particularly critical, given the unique social and cultural challenges the country faces. Through education, support, and a stronger mental health infrastructure, we can pave the way for a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health.
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