KATHMANDU: Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has urged everyone to openly discuss mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding them.
In a video message issued in the context of the government-run Mental Health Awareness Campaign, Minister Kharel—who also serves as the government spokesperson—encouraged people to talk about mental health concerns with those close to them.
“Let’s talk openly about mental health problems. The best antidote to mental distress is speaking one’s heart out. From today, let us begin open discussion and discourse on mental health,” the minister said.
He argued that discussing prevention and treatment aspects makes it easier to address mental health challenges, which he noted have emerged as a serious concern, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Gen Z movement.
Calling for support from all sectors, the minister warned that a large segment of Nepal’s population could experience mental health issues in some form during their lifetime. He emphasized that the mental health sector should be given the highest priority.
According to data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in September, more than one billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions. The WHO reports that mental health problems affect all societies and age groups and remain the second leading cause of long-term disability globally.
Concern over mental well-being is also growing in Nepal. In response, the Ministry of Health and Population launched the Mental Health Awareness Campaign on December 10 this year. The campaign will run until March 14, 2026.
Through the campaign, the government aims to raise public awareness about mental health issues, encourage open discussion, and promote seeking professional help when needed. It also seeks to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare and expand access to mental health services for all citizens. Additionally, the campaign aims to foster a culture of open debate and dialogue on mental health issues nationwide.
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