• Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Understanding Mental Health

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It is quite spectacular to see the development of psychological aspects; however, with every increase in familiarity with mental health, there remains a lack of actual knowledge and understanding about it. Mental disorders are deeply rooted in stigmatisation, continuing to this day, constrained by inequity and misinterpretation.

The current tendency in Nepali society is to view mental illness as a tool for gaining sympathy, often perceiving it as a pitiable condition. Lacking a true understanding of what mental disorders are, many people casually claim, 'I have depression’ or 'I have anxiety.' This issue worsens when individuals search for symptoms online and self-diagnose without professional help. Mental health condition is viewed as an incurable illness. Although psychological centres have evolved in the urban areas, there is a huge gap between the service provider and recipient. The majority of people are unaware of the place that provides professional help. As a result, people diagnosed with such issues have increased, affecting the overall status of mental health in Nepal.

Mental health problems are believed to be a communicable sickness, which is the reason for people preferring to maintain distance from the people with psychiatric disorders. Discourteous terms such as 'pagal’ and 'psycho' are used to address the people suffering from mental illness. This concept of labelling is structured in such a way that people with issues spook to open up and even drop out from getting treatment.

All the misbelief has led the people with illness to be on the periphery, lacking equal access to resources and opportunities. They become the victim of discrimination. Such exclusion results in poor self-esteem, lack of self-efficacy, stigmatisation, and alienation.

Mental disorders are implacable because they affect emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Psychological problems disturb an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, and behaviour, restricting a person's ability to interact with others, concentrate, have enough stamina to complete tasks, understand constructive feedback, and manage stress. Self-harm or suicide possibly can be the outcome of these affairs.

Mental health condition is struggling to be autonomous from the stigmatisation. The developed misconception must be substituted by the actual meaning of mental health and mental disorders. Fundamental rights of the mentally ill should be protected. Optimal awareness campaigns or training can be conducted to eradicate superstition and myths related to mental illness. Similarly, community-based support and peer group support, on the other hand, can leverage social media and can be an effective method to promote awareness.

Mental health stigma can be reduced only if we educate ourselves about mental illness and share it with others. Try to find specialist help rather than diagnosing the condition through the internet. Experiencing problems along with discrimination is a difficult situation to be in; thus, create a reliable and equitable environment encouraging seeking immediate help. While giving support, individuals need to be non-judgemental and empathetic, ensuring that people feel heard and respected. Considering the impact of negative words on others and encouraging kind language can be the factor that can change the perception of people regarding mental health issues.


Grade: XII, Golden Gate International College, Battisputali, Kathmandu.

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