KATHMANDU: The escalating issues of unemployment and economic downturn in the country are taking a toll on people’s mental well-being, leading to a surge in mental health concerns.

As frustration becomes pervasive, doctors are sounding the alarm over the growing number of individuals grappling with mental health challenges.

Experts stress the importance of early awareness and intervention to address these burgeoning issues.

Recent findings indicate that 30 percent of the country’s population is grappling with psychosocial problems, a concerning trend highlighted by doctors who observe a similar percentage among patients seeking medical help.

Mental health complexities, unlike conventional illnesses caused by pathogens, stem from various factors, including the intricate structure of the human body, brain composition, neurochemical balance, and genetic predispositions, according to Dr. Suraj Tiwari, a Psychiatrist at Patan Mental Hospital.

A noteworthy contributor to the rise in mental health issues is the misuse of social media, particularly affecting young women, as revealed by Dr. Tiwari.

In Nepal, societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents individuals from openly discussing their concerns with family and relatives.

The adverse impact of social media abuse adds another layer to the multifaceted causes, which include family disintegration, foreign employment, drug addiction, ambitious societal expectations, unexpected outcomes, and unemployment.

While mental health challenges are prevalent across all age groups, statistics underscore a higher incidence among individuals aged 20 to 50.

Disturbingly, mental health concerns are also on the rise among children and teenagers, attributed to bullying in schools and peer groups.

It is imperative for society to recognize and address these issues promptly to mitigate the growing impact of mental health problems on individuals of all ages.

The intricate tapestry of mental health conditions in Nepal, comprising over 100 different types, presents a challenge in quantifying the prevalence of each issue.

Despite the absence of precise data on the distribution of mental health problems, insights gleaned from hospital admissions point to a significant incidence of depression among patients, as noted by Dr. Tiwari.

At Patan Hospital, an analysis of patients seeking treatment highlighted that nearly 7 percent grappled with depression, 5 percent exhibited signs of anxiety, and 2 percent presented with psychosis.

Lata Gautam, the Information Officer of Mental Hospital Patan, informed Khabarhub that a substantial 10 percent of patients arriving at the hospital manifested general mental health concerns.

Complicating the mental health landscape is the prevalent trend in Nepal of seeking medical attention only when mental illnesses reach a critical stage.

Dr. Tiwari, a practicing psychiatrist, laments that this approach hampers effective treatment.

She said, “More than 180 patients come to the mental hospital in Patan every day. But the hospital has only 50 beds including three emergency beds and 47 internal beds. Patients requiring prolonged inpatient admission are admitted. As a result, there has been a problem in managing the pressure of patients.”

He elucidates, “In our society, only severe mental illness is labeled as such. Normal problems are often overlooked, and individuals seek professional help only when the condition has escalated, posing a considerable challenge in addressing mental health issues promptly.”

Mental Health Challenges in Nepal: Breaking the Silence

Dr. Tiwari emphasizes that the majority of mental health issues can be effectively addressed through general counseling.

However, the unnatural progression of these problems in Nepal poses a significant challenge to their management.

In Nepal, societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents individuals from openly discussing their concerns with family and relatives.

Dr. Tiwari notes that the fear of social judgment can hinder early intervention, allowing the problems to escalate.

Gautam, the Information Officer, underscores the lack of mental health education in Nepal as a barrier to early identification of mental illnesses.

This knowledge gap contributes to delayed recognition and exacerbation of the conditions.

Patan Mental Hospital, a crucial facility in this context, witnesses a significant influx of patients from outside the valley.

Recognizing the growing demand for mental health services, efforts are underway to expand Patan Hospital to accommodate 200 beds, reflecting the urgency of addressing the escalating mental health crisis.

Globally, mental health is increasingly acknowledged as a serious concern, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO statistics reveal that 500 million people worldwide grapple with mental health issues, with 160 million suffering from depression, 30 million from schizophrenia, 100 million from drug addiction, and 20 million from substance abuse.

Alarmingly, over one million people succumb to suicide annually due to mental health challenges.

In Nepal, the gravity of the situation is underscored by Gautam, who reveals that 19 people take their own lives every day in the country, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive mental health initiatives and increased public awareness.

On the one hand, patients with mental health problems come to the hospital only when they are in a critical condition, and on the other, there is a problem with treatment due to lack of enough beds in the hospital, said Gautam, information officer of Patan Hospital.

The Ministry of Health has said that community health has been provided in all 77 districts through the local level, government health posts and hospitals.

She said, “More than 180 patients come to the mental hospital in Patan every day. But the hospital has only 50 beds including three emergency beds and 47 internal beds. Patients requiring prolonged inpatient admission are admitted. As a result, there has been a problem in managing the pressure of patients.”

According to information officer Gautam, there are currently 230 employees including psychiatric specialists in the mental hospital in Patan.

Arrangements for treatment have also been made by creating a separate unit for children and teenagers.

As the number of mental health patients is increasing in recent times, the government is also looking at it with importance.

Due to this, along with the infrastructure development of the hospital, work is being done to make the Patan hospital 200 beds, she informed.

She said that as the number of mental health patients in Patan Hospital increased, the government has started community mental health programs in all districts.

The Ministry of Health has said that community health has been provided in all 77 districts through the local level, government health posts and hospitals.

Psychologist Dr. Tiwari says that if there is a consultation center for mental health information everywhere, it will be easier to control it.