Nepal is facing a unique convergence of political, social, and environmental challenges, leaving a profound impact on the collective mental health of its population. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” could not be more relevant. The nation has witnessed historic youth mobilization through the GenZ revolution, alongside unprecedented floods and landslides that have caused widespread loss of life, displacement, and disruption. Both events illustrate the urgent need for robust, accessible, and integrated mental health services for all Nepalis.
The burden of suicide in Nepal
Mental health challenges in Nepal have long been a public health concern. According to Nepal Police statistics, in the last fiscal year 2024/25 alone, 7,055 people lost their lives to suicide, averaging roughly 20 deaths per day. On a population scale, this translates to approximately 24 deaths per 100,000 people due to suicide in a single year.
The National Mental Health Survey 2020 further highlights that 6.5 percent of adults and 3.9 percent of adolescents reported having suicidal thoughts, indicating widespread psychological distress across age groups. Suicide is particularly significant among women of reproductive age (15–49 years), where it is identified as the leading cause of death. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of addressing mental health not as an ancillary issue but as a core public health priority.
Nepal has recognized mental health as a fundamental human right. Article 35 of the Constitution guarantees basic health services as a fundamental right, ensuring that all citizens can access health care, including emergency services, without cost. The Public Health Service Act 2075, Section 3, and the Public Health Service Regulations 2077, Rule 3, explicitly include mental health services as part of basic health care, guaranteeing citizens the right to free access. Moreover, the Muluki Criminal Code 2074, Section 185, prohibits encouraging suicide, reinforcing a legal framework to protect vulnerable individuals.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, Nepal aims to reduce suicide mortality from 16.5 per 100,000 population to 4.7 per 100,000 by 2030. Achieving this target requires both systemic reforms and community-level interventions that combine prevention, treatment, and psychosocial support.
Political upheaval and mental health: The GenZ revolution
The GenZ revolution represents one of the most significant social movements in Nepal’s recent history. Youth activists, primarily aged 15 to 29, organized protests, awareness campaigns, and digital advocacy to demand accountability, transparency, and systemic change. While the movement energized public discourse and created a sense of agency among young people, it also generated significant psychological strain.
Prolonged participation in protests, exposure to conflict and police action, disrupted daily routines, and the pressure of balancing academic and professional responsibilities created a high-risk environment for stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Constant exposure to political tension through social media amplified mental health risks, leading to emotional exhaustion and increased vulnerability to long-term psychological effects.
The experiences of these young activists highlight a broader lesson: political emergencies function as psychological catastrophes. Individuals engaged in social movements often experience emotional distress comparable to those affected by natural disasters. Recognizing and responding to such mental health needs is essential for building a resilient society.
Natural disasters: Floods and landslides
Nepal’s geographic and climatic conditions have made it prone to natural disasters. In early Oct 2025, continuous heavy rainfall caused severe floods and landslides across the country. The affected areas included Ilam, Rautahat, Khotang, and parts of Kathmandu Valley. Over fifty lives were lost, and hundreds of families were displaced, highlighting the devastating human and psychological toll of environmental emergencies.
In Ilam, entire villages were swept away by mudslides. Rautahat and Khotang experienced flash floods that destroyed homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure. In Kathmandu, waterlogged roads, blocked highways, and submerged bridges severely disrupted mobility and access to essential services. Major highways, including Araniko, BP, and Kanti, were cut off for several days, isolating communities and delaying emergency relief.
These events produced not only immediate physical damage but also long-lasting psychological distress. Families faced the loss of homes and livelihoods, children were separated from schools and routines, and communities experienced uncertainty and fear. Displacement to temporary shelters and constant exposure to danger created conditions conducive to anxiety, post-traumatic stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. The floods served as a stark reminder that natural disasters have profound emotional and mental health implications alongside physical devastation.
Intersecting crises and compounded risks
The intersection of political upheaval and environmental disasters has intensified mental health challenges in Nepal. Youth already experiencing stress from activism were simultaneously facing additional pressures from floods, landslides, and displacement. Disrupted education, interrupted employment, and cumulative stressors have created conditions conducive to long-term psychological disorders.
Emergencies of any kind disrupt daily life, create uncertainty, and reduce access to coping mechanisms. In Nepal, these compounded crises demonstrate how political, social, and environmental factors converge to exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities.
Challenges in mental health service access
Nepal’s mental health infrastructure faces significant limitations. There are fewer than 200 psychiatrists nationwide, and most are concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural and disaster-affected populations underserved. Psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and trained counselors are limited, and community-based psychosocial support programs are often inconsistent due to insufficient resources, staff shortages, and limited integration into emergency response systems.
Stigma further limits service utilization. Despite legal provisions and constitutional guarantees, many individuals avoid seeking help due to fear of social judgment or misunderstanding about mental health. In disaster situations, when access is most critical, these structural and social barriers can leave vulnerable populations without support.
Strategies to strengthen mental health resilience
Addressing Nepal’s mental health challenges requires a holistic and integrated approach across multiple levels. Expanding community-based services is essential, with schools, health posts, and community centers providing accessible mental health support, particularly in rural and disaster-prone areas. Frontline workers, including teachers, health professionals, and volunteers, should be trained in psychological first aid, trauma recognition, and referral systems to ensure timely and appropriate support. Mental health services must also be fully integrated into disaster response plans, guaranteeing that counseling, psychosocial support, and safe spaces are available alongside essential provisions such as food, shelter, and medical care. The use of digital platforms and tele-counseling can further extend reach, connecting isolated communities during floods, landslides, and other emergencies.
At the policy level, the government must prioritize mental health within disaster management frameworks and allocate adequate resources for sustainable, nationwide service delivery. Finally, public awareness campaigns are critical to reduce stigma, educate communities, and promote early intervention, ensuring that individuals seek help promptly and receive the support they need.
Conclusion: Building a resilient Nepal
Nepal in 2025 illustrates the intricate connections between political, social, and environmental crises and mental health outcomes. The experiences of youth during the GenZ revolution, combined with the trauma of floods and landslides, as well as persistent challenges related to suicide, emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive, accessible mental health care.
Mental health is not a secondary concern. It is a fundamental right, a public health priority, and a societal responsibility.
Strengthening mental health systems, integrating services into disaster response, and ensuring universal access are essential steps toward protecting lives, empowering youth, and building a resilient society.
On this World Mental Health Day, Nepal has an opportunity to act decisively to safeguard mental well-being, honor constitutional and legal rights, and ensure that the mental health of all citizens is treated with the urgency and respect it deserves.
