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Mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. It encompasses overall well-being that allows individuals to work effectively, manage stress, and contribute to their communities. Workplace stressors, such as excessive workload, bullying, and harassment can significantly harm mental health. This is especially true in high-pressure fields like healthcare, where long hours and emotional strain increase the risk of burnout.

Globally, depression affects 264m people. It’s one of the leading causes of disability. Depression and anxiety disorders together cost the global economy approximately $1trn annually in lost productivity. In demanding professions like healthcare, workplace stressors exacerbate these challenges, negatively impacting those responsible for caring for others.

In one of the studies from Nepal, it was found that the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted significant mental health challenges in the workplace. The same study found that 86 percent of respondents reported moderate stress levels, and 5.2 percent experienced high stress. Additionally, 24.6 percent of participants screened positive for anxiety, while 33.3 percent showed signs of depression. Poor sleep affected 17.5 percent of individuals, and 15.8 percent noted a decrease in their work efficiency.

These findings point to a critical need for regular stress management programs in the workplace.

The stress and mental health issues faced by corporate employees underscore the importance of addressing workplace conditions. A toxic work environment can lead to physical and mental health problems, substance abuse, absenteeism, and reduced productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), promoting mental health in the workplace and providing support to employees can reduce absenteeism, boost productivity, and contribute to economic benefits.

Excessive workloads, long hours, and administrative burdens often leave professionals, particularly doctors, with little time to rest and recover. This ongoing pressure can lead to burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and an increased risk of mistakes. Similarly, toxic workplace behaviors, such as bullying and harassment, contribute significantly to poor mental health. These issues, often unaddressed, can lead to anxiety, depression, and even cause professionals to leave their jobs. This not only affects individual well-being but also disrupts team dynamics and reduces the quality of work.

On the other hand, maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for well-being but is particularly challenging in demanding careers. Professionals often struggle to find time for rest, family, or hobbies, which further contributes to stress and burnout. However, achieving a balance is possible through regular exercise, meditation, and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time.

Maintaining mental health, especially in high-stress industries, requires both individual and organizational efforts. Prioritizing mental health by taking regular breaks, engaging in hobbies, and seeking therapy when necessary can help prevent burnout. Professionals must learn to set boundaries to avoid overwork, such as turning off work emails after hours or taking vacations. Organizations should create environments where employees feel safe discussing mental health without fear of judgment. Access to mental health resources, flexible work hours, and peer support networks are crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is ‘It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace’. This theme emphasizes the urgent need for businesses, governments, and individuals to take action to improve mental well-being in professional settings. With over 60 percent of the global population engaged in employment, the workplace has a significant impact on mental health, both positively and negatively.

This year’s campaign focuses on fostering supportive, stigma-free environments where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Mental health in the workplace is a crucial factor for maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. By addressing stress, bullying, and promoting a healthy work-life balance, organizations and employees can work together to create a supportive environment that fosters well-being and success.

The author is a psychiatrist

During Nepal’s festive season, consumption surges, bringing mixed effects: economic benefits alongside environmental concerns.

Overconsumption is a situation where consumers overuse available goods and services. An easy distinction between regular consumption and overconsumption can be characterized by the quantity of goods and services consumed; consuming any amount more than what is essential or actually needed is overconsumption. It goes beyond just economic terminology—it’s a pattern that can strain both personal budgets and natural resources.

Festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated with great anticipation, traditionally marked by buying new clothes, indulging in foods, and restocking households with decorative items. This period sees a significant increase in retail activity, with shops offering discounts to encourage more spending. As a result, Nepal sees a peak in consumption—often bordering on overconsumption—during this time.

According to sociologist Ramesh Parajuli, “Overconsumption during the festive season is apparent. It has become a trend in society to spend more during Dashain and Tihar.” He added: People tend to imitate each other; if one person spends a lot, others feel the need to do the same.

Roshana Shrestha, a wholesale shopkeeper in Baneshwor, noted increased sales of goods during Dashain, “During this festive season, sales are definitely higher. Packaged food items were sold more during Dashain, and for Tihar, people have already started to purchase dry fruits.”

Feasts during Dashain are often incomplete without meat. “Business peaks during Dashain and Tihar. Demand is very high, so we stock more accordingly,” said Sandip Lama, a meat seller from Sinamangal.

Sajina Kunwar, a consumer, said, “Consumption in my household is high during the festive season. However, due to the increasingly expensive prices in the market, we have been buying less than in previous years. The monthly budget for the household is definitely higher during Dashain and Tihar, maybe almost double.”

Overconsumption also affects the environment. According to the United Nations Environment Programme: “We are currently consuming more resources than ever, exceeding the planet’s capacity for generation.” As ecosystems are not able to keep up with excessive, growing resource extraction, overconsumption leads to deterioration of the natural world. The theory is straightforward; the more we consume, the more resources get depleted in order to produce what we consume. As natural resources are limited, and resources are depleted at a rate faster than they can replenish, overconsumption leads to deterioration of the environment.

According to findings from UN Environment’s Global Resources Outlook 2019, resource extraction has more than tripled since 1970. In recent years, urban expansion in Nepal has converted land use from agricultural to urban and peri urban settlements. The conversion rate of rural into urban areas jumped from 23 percent in 2014 to 66 percent in 2017. There is less land available for growing crops and raising livestock, reducing overall food production.

With reduced local agricultural capacity, urban areas often turn to imported food to meet demand. This increases the need for transportation, which consumes more fuel and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, further stressing the environment. To compensate for lost agricultural areas, new farmland is often carved out of natural ecosystems, like forests, leading to further environmental degradation and deforestation.

As we consume more, more waste is produced. About 3.32m people in 18 municipalities of the Kathmandu Valley generate more than 1,200 tons of municipal solid waste daily, most of it ending up in landfills, dumped in the open, or burnt at sources.

During the festive season, as consumption in Nepal peaks, so does the waste produced. Devendra Khadka, managing director of Action Waste Pvt Ltd, a waste collection and management company, said, “Obviously, more waste is collected during Dashain and Tihar. We categorize our waste as wet and dry. While the volume of both kinds of waste is higher during the peak festive season, wet waste is often even more. Wet waste consists of biodegradable waste such as from the kitchen, flowers and other things used for festivities.”

The current problem of waste management in Nepal makes the issue even worse. Madhukar Upadhya, climate change and climate finance expert, said, “Consumption during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath is higher than the rest of the year, especially in terms of items used for worshiping, such as flowers and jamara, food items, kitchen waste, etc. Houses are deeply cleaned before Dashain. This results in more waste. Disposal of such waste is what raises concern for the environment.

“I see that some houses burn the wastes. This results in air pollution and has detrimental effects on the environment. Burning plastic has severe effects on the health of people. Disposal of waste in water bodies is another issue. During the festive season, this is even higher. If we look at the rivers in Kathmandu, they look more like sewage drainage than water bodies. Proper waste management is crucial, especially during times when waste collection is high.”

While buying a new pair of jeans, a chiffon saree or a box of sweets as a way to celebrate the festival could do no harm, the problem arises in mindless shopping. But what dictates how much consumption is too much?

Baburam Adhikari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, said, “It is our culture to consume more and wear new clothes during the festive season. So the festive season is known to cause a surge in spending, driving demand in the market, and helping the economy flourish.”

A delivery driver from the courier service provider, Nepal Can Move, said orders double, even triple, during the festive season. Even international couriers to Nepal are also higher.

Some economists estimate that 40-70 percent of market activities take place during Dashain and Tihar. Increased demand supports local artisans and small businesses. Items for puja, including flowers and garlands, are in high demand, especially during Tihar, boosting domestic industries and supporting livelihoods.

Laxmi Magar, a tailor based in New Road said, “The number of orders almost doubles during Dashain and Tihar. The festive season is like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise challenging economic climate.”

For small business owners like Magar, the festive season is crucial for profitability. While festive overconsumption supports the economy, its environmental toll is concerning. To balance these impacts, sustainable consumption practices are essential. Small adjustments, such as thoughtful purchasing, reusing decorations, and responsible waste disposal, can help preserve Nepal’s natural resources. By adopting mindful consumption, Nepal can celebrate responsibly, ensuring both economic resilience and environmental health.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit China from Dec 2 to 5 at the official invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to high-level sources. This visit comes after discussions between Prime Minister Oli and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Foreign Minister Yi suggested that Oli keep his schedule clear for early December.

Upon his return to Nepal, Prime Minister Oli held informal discussions with senior CPN-UML officials about his upcoming visit to China, which they encouraged. Following these discussions, Chinese Foreign Minister Yi reportedly briefed President Xi on Oli's planned visit. The Chinese Foreign Ministry then sent a formal letter to the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, which Ambassador Chen Song delivered to Oli as an official invitation from President Xi.

In preparation for Oli’s visit, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is coordinating with the Prime Minister’s Office. A senior official indicated that Foreign Minister Rana may travel to Beijing in advance for essential discussions and logistical coordination.

Prime Minister Oli, who was appointed on July 15, met with Ambassador Chen shortly after assuming office, where they had an informal exchange about his potential visit to China. The final dates were coordinated with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing.

While there has been speculation about a potential visit to India, no formal decision has been reached. Prime Minister Oli did, however, have a brief meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York. Additionally, Oli’s planned visit to Bangkok for the BIMSTEC summit was postponed after Thailand delayed the meeting.

Nearly a year after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Nepal, reconstruction efforts remain in limbo, leaving thousands of victims living in temporary shelters. 

The earthquake that hit Jajarkot's Ramidanda at midnight on 31 Oct 2023, caused catastrophic damage across Jajarkot and West Rukum, rendering many people homeless. However, the government’s promise of swift reconstruction has gone unfulfilled.

“We endured winter’s cold, survived the summer heat, and now another harsh winter approaches. We survived the earthquake, but other disasters might have claimed our lives,” said Bishnu Kami of Bheri Municipality, who lives in a tin shelter with no food stocks and mounting debts. “When it rains, our shelter leaks. We haven’t even been able to repay the loans we took to build this temporary shelter. Nobody seems to care about our plight.”

The initial response proved tragically inadequate as 36 people died in Jajarkot alone due to extreme cold while living in tarpaulin shelters. During monsoon season, seven more lives in Jajarkot and three in West Rukum as their temporary shelters were swept away by landslides.

Government data shows 26,557 houses were completely destroyed and 35,455 partially damaged in Jajarkot alone. The disaster also destroyed 289 schools, damaged 598 others, impacted 92 government offices, and affected 22 health facilities. Additionally, 25 temples and historical structures were damaged, along with over 50 sections of the Mid-Hill Highway and other crucial infrastructure.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) attributes the reconstruction delays to bureaucratic hurdles and a shortage of funds. “We requested Rs 250m from the Finance Ministry seven months ago for the Detailed Damage Assessment (DDA), but haven’t received it,” said Basanta Adhikari, Joint Secretary at NDRRMA. “The delay in conducting DDA is hampering rehabilitation of earthquake victims.”

The total reconstruction cost for rehabilitation of some 85,000 beneficiaries in Jajarkot and Rukum as well as Salyan, Doti, Achham, Bajhang and Bajura has been estimated at Rs 60bn.

Kali Bahadur Khatri, Chief of the District Coordination Committee of Jajarkot, said that there has been significant delay in collecting damage assessments by the team of technical experts. “How will the government, which cannot provide Rs 250m for DDA (Detailed Damage Assessment), manage the Rs 60bn required for reconstruction?” Khatri questioned.

Joint Secretary Adhikari said the reconstruction guidelines have been prepared and awaiting cabinet’s endorsement. As per the guidelines, a housing grant of Rs 400,000 has been proposed for disaster survivors in Tarai, Rs 500,000 in hilly regions and Rs 600,000 in mountainous region. However, the delay in approving these guidelines has left both victims and aid organizations in limbo.

The immediate relief efforts have also faced significant challenges. Out of 48,517 registered beneficiaries in Jajarkot, only 40,463 have received the first installment of Rs 25,000 rupees to build temporary shelters. However, only 6,182 households have received the second installment even though 32,078 have been verified for payment. 

Similar delays have been witnessed in West Rukum, where only about 16,000 of 32,996 beneficiaries have received second installment. 

The lack of reconstruction of school buildings, health facilities, and government office buildings has affected education, healthcare services, and public service delivery. According to the Jajarkot District Administration Office, 289 schools have been completely damaged and 598 schools have been partially damaged. Similarly, 92 government offices have suffered complete damage while 60 have been partially damaged. 22 health facilities have been completely damaged and 38 have sustained partial damage. Twenty-five temples and other archaeological structures have also been damaged. Chief District Officer Uma Kant Adhikari said that more than 50 roads, including the Mid-Hill Highway, have been damaged. He added that reconstruction efforts have been unable to gain momentum due to the lack of policy frameworks and structural arrangements.

Pushpa Sharma, principal of Hanuman Primary School in Bheri Municipality, said they have been forced to take five classes in one room of the temporary learning center. “If we had permanent school buildings, conducting teaching and learning activities would have been  much easier,” he added. 

Hundreds of schools in the quake-hit districts are operating from temporary structures or open spaces, leaving students and teachers to brave extreme weather conditions.

NGOs and INGOs, which initially rushed to provide relief and recovery support, now face uncertainty as their emergency programs near completion in December. “Without clear government guidelines, we don’t know how to proceed with long-term reconstruction support,” said Sahadev Basnet, chairperson of the NGO Federation Jajarkot.

Recently, political parties submitted a memorandum to Karnali Province Chief Minister Yamlal Kandel to expedite reconstruction works in quake-hit districts.

Among others, they have requested that the government expedite disbursement of second installment, provide up to Rs 3m subsidized loans per beneficiary, and special initiatives to restore destroyed public infrastructure and heritage sites. 

In response, Chief Minister Kandel expressed commitment to  allocate Rs 500m for rebuilding educational and health facilities. He added that he would lobby with the federal government for additional support.