Breaking the mental health stigma: Therapy should be a priority, not a privilege
In Nepal, the perception of health remains narrowly confined to physical well-being, while mental health continues to be dismissed as an afterthought. Despite the growing global emphasis on psychological well-being, the discourse on mental health in Nepal remains largely overshadowed by stigma, misinformation, and systemic negligence. The repercussions of this neglect are severe, affecting individuals across all age groups, particularly in underprivileged communities and remote areas where mental health resources are virtually nonexistent. The lack of awareness and accessibility, coupled with deeply ingrained cultural misconceptions, has exacerbated the crisis, rendering mental health care a privilege rather than an essential component of public health.
The mental health crisis manifests itself across different life stages. Children, often burdened with academic pressure and familial expectations, are rarely given the emotional support necessary for their psychological development. Many struggle with anxiety and depression from a young age, yet their distress is either trivialized or attributed to laziness. Adolescents and young adults, grappling with career uncertainties, societal expectations, and the growing influence of social media, face increasing mental health challenges, yet they are often met with dismissive responses such as being told to ‘toughen up’. The situation becomes more complicated for adults who deal with financial burdens, workplace stress, and family responsibilities, with limited avenues to seek professional help.
Among the elderly, mental health issues such as depression and dementia are either misunderstood as a natural part of aging or completely ignored, leaving them in a state of isolation and neglect. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 15 percent of the global elderly population suffers from a mental disorder, a figure that is likely to be higher in Nepal due to the absence of proper mental health interventions.
The situation is even more dire in Nepal’s remote and underprivileged communities, where mental health remains a subject of myth and superstition. Many rural areas lack professional mental health practitioners, forcing those in distress to rely on traditional healers or shamans, whose methods often involve spiritual rituals rather than evidence-based interventions.
A 2021 study published in the Journal of Global Health Reports indicated that over 80 percent of mental health patients in rural Nepal first consult a faith healer before considering medical help, if at all. The lack of accessible mental health services, coupled with a deep-rooted belief that mental health disorders are caused by supernatural forces, discourages individuals from seeking professional care, further entrenching the cycle of suffering and silence.
Despite the increasing prevalence of mental health issues, Nepal’s healthcare infrastructure continues to marginalize psychological well-being. Hospitals and clinics are largely focused on treating physical ailments, while mental health remains a neglected domain within the broader healthcare system. According to the Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), mental health services account for less than one percent of the total healthcare budget, a stark contrast to the country’s rising burden of mental illness. Unlike physical health checkups, which individuals proactively schedule, mental health concerns are consistently postponed or ignored altogether. Seeking therapy is still widely considered an indulgence rather than a necessity, with many perceiving it as a service reserved for the wealthy or those who are ‘weak.’
One of the primary barriers to mental health care in Nepal is the prohibitive cost of therapy. While a general physician’s consultation may cost a nominal fee, psychotherapy sessions remain expensive and largely out of reach for the average Nepali citizen. A 2022 report by the Nepal Mental Health Foundation found that the cost of a single therapy session in Kathmandu ranges between Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,500, a significant expense for families struggling with daily financial constraints. Given this economic reality, individuals are more likely to allocate their limited resources to immediate physical health concerns, leaving mental health at the bottom of their priority list.
The path forward requires a multifaceted approach that integrates mental health into Nepal’s overall healthcare system and societal framework. Greater investment in mental health infrastructure is imperative, ensuring that psychological services are available at primary healthcare centers across the country. Nationwide awareness campaigns must be implemented to challenge the prevailing stigma and educate individuals on the importance of mental well-being. Moreover, mental health services must be made affordable through government subsidies and the inclusion of mental health coverage in insurance policies. Educational institutions and workplaces should incorporate mental health discussions into their curricula and professional environments, fostering a culture where seeking help is normalized rather than ridiculed.
Nepal cannot afford to continue neglecting mental health. The consequences of untreated psychological distress extend beyond individual suffering, affecting families, communities, and the nation as a whole. To build a healthier and more resilient society, it’s crucial to recognize that mental health is just as vital as physical health. Therapy should not be seen as a luxury but as a fundamental right, accessible to all regardless of socioeconomic status or geographical location. Only through systemic reforms, awareness, and cultural shifts can we dismantle the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking the help they deserve.
