In Kathmandu and other urban centers of Nepal, it's increasingly common to hear young people say things like “I’m so depressed” in everyday conversation. These expressions—often heard in cafes or posted on social media—usually refer to temporary moods rather than diagnosed medical conditions. This casual use of mental health terminology reflects a broader trend among Nepali youth, where complex psychological issues are often reduced to catchphrases, especially in digital spaces.
Recent studies show that nearly half of Nepali youth using platforms like Instagram and TikTok report symptoms of anxiety and depression, with over a third experiencing these conditions. The rise of short-form content and influencer-driven narratives has contributed to the oversimplification of mental health. Terms like “OCD” are now casually used to describe habits like organizing a bookshelf, rather than their clinical meaning. An analysis of one million social media posts by Oxford researchers found that discussions around mental illness are 14 percent more likely to trivialize the topic than those about physical health. Equating serious mental conditions with everyday struggles diminishes the gravity of these issues.
Nepal faces substantial challenges in mental health care, with only one psychiatrist and one psychologist per one million people, according to the World Health Organization. This shortage is further complicated by the growing presence of unqualified wellness influencers on social media, who often offer unverified advice and promote viral catchphrases instead of evidence-based support.
Cultural factors also play a role. Western diagnostic categories don’t always align with traditional Nepali understandings of the mind and spirit. As a result, young people may use terms like “bipolar” without fully grasping their meaning, while families may dismiss such conditions as mere trends. According to the Nepal Health Research Council, only a quarter of individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders receive treatment—partly because casual usage of terms like “depression” leads many to mistake clinical symptoms for routine stress.
Another emerging concern is the rise of “illness identity,” where online communities romanticize mental health diagnoses, encouraging young people to adopt these labels as part of their identity. Research from the University of Balamand suggests this can hinder genuine recovery, as authentic appeals for support are often lost in a flood of superficial or performative content.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening online counseling protocols to ensure that only credentialed professionals offer mental health services is essential. Incorporating media literacy into school curricula can help students critically evaluate the mental health content they encounter online. Training community health workers to recognize early warning signs is also crucial, especially given the shortage of mental health professionals. Meanwhile, social media platforms should be encouraged to limit sensationalized content and promote accurate, evidence-based information.
Nepali youth have taken important steps toward breaking the silence around mental health. Yet the casual misuse of psychological terms risks trivializing serious conditions and obstructing access to proper care. It’s vital to channel this growing openness into informed dialogue and meaningful support—moving beyond superficial language to foster real understanding and treatment.
Binayak Sapkota
St Xavier’s College, Maitighar
