Shake Mental Health Stigma

Dixya Poudel

Like each year, the world observed Mental Health Day on October 10. However, despite the growing awareness of mental health, it still remains a forbidden subject, especially in underdeveloped nations where it is swept under the rug in fear of stigma. Triggered by external events or an ailment of the brain, mental health unleashes its wrath if not addressed in time. Thankfully, there have been progresses in the field of medicine that have led to discovery of drugs that mitigate psychiatric disorders. It could help greatly if societal outlook also took strides with medical progresses.

Mental health includes emotional, social, spiritual and psychological well-being that impacts the behaviour, perception and cognition of an individual. While mental health problems can be triggered by external stimulus, it is the chemicals in the brain that undergo drastic changes. Excess or dearth of neurotransmitters such as dopamine or serotonin could lead to an imbalance on the brain. Psychiatrists thus treat mental health patients with medications that regulate such chemicals. Yet, such treatments are known to have side-effects, often debilitating the regular routines of the patients. Allopathic medicines have immediate effects along with unwanted side-effects which is why such medicines should only be taken with the guidance of psychiatrists. It could mean testing different medical treatments until the most effective one is determined.

However, it is a harsh reality that unlike physical health, mental health problems often tend to go under the radar. A person might feel an unfathomable sadness, lack of concentration and optimism, with changes in thoughts and habits which could impair daily routine. For example, sleeping patterns may change with the person either sleeping too less or too much. Eating habits may also alter with either increased or decreased appetite. Social behaviours too could change. 

Left untreated and unaddressed, mental health problems could lead to worsening symptoms. Here, social support is of great importance. Apart from medical treatment, social and psychological supports go a long way in restoring the health of a patient. It could help a mentally anguished person to have a trusting friend or family who is willing to listen to him or her emphatically. Therapy such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is also known to be quite effective in managing mental health.

Like most fields of science, psychology too is seeing new discoveries, studies and approaches. For example, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is known to be effective in curing fears, phobias, anxieties and even depression. It is a relatively new form of therapy that is gaining traction in Nepal as Nepalis are viewing mental health with open eyes and mind. Yet, such therapies aren’t accessible to most people either due to unavailability of such facilities or due to high expenses. Especially in Nepal, the concept of going to therapy is only just taking root. It could thus help if public and private health institutions offered free or low-cost mental health services such as counselling and therapy.  

It is about time mental health became a subject of open and empathetic discussion. Each person should have the opportunity to seek adequate treatment for mental health problems without a sense of dread and apprehension over possible stigma. In addition to new medical breakthroughs, mental health has to be a conversation that encompasses overall well-being.