Nepal National Mental Health Survey 2020 reported 5.2 percent of adolescents suffer from mental disorders, with neurotic and stress-related symptoms accounting for 2.8 percent. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescents was approximately 4 percent, and suicide attempt was 0.7 percent.
Three years later, Nepal Police data shows that 7,223 people committed suicide in 2023-24, compared to a total of 13,823 in the previous two years (2021-22 and 2022-23). died in
Over 40% of these victims were farmers, with the second largest group being students at 15.4%.
Mental health experts see major changes in young people’s mental health, particularly in terms of increased awareness and treatment-seeking.
Dr. Rishabh Koirala, a psychiatrist, researcher, and executive director of the Center for Neuroscience, points out that the past decade has seen a generational shift in the way we think about mental health.
Today’s 23- to 30-year-olds were teenagers when discussions about mental health began gaining traction online. It is believed that mental health issues have become more acute due to the coronavirus pandemic that led to the lockdown that began in March 2020, and the economic hardship that followed.
Experts say Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities have also added momentum to the debate, openly discussing mental health issues ranging from depression to bipolar disorder.
Koirala said that 10 years ago, there was a tendency to suppress issues and view them as trivial. However, today’s young people believe in prevention and are more likely to seek professional help.
He recalls instances where young people requested counseling to deal with their struggles, even if the problems were minor. “Some people have mental disorders, some don’t. Either way, it’s heartening to see this positive attitude,” says Koirala.
Ruban Dahal, a counselor with 12 years of experience at Mankar Kula, also insisted. “Many young people who are going abroad are coming with the belief that they want to be healthy before they go. It’s a big change from 10 years ago,” he says.
However, Dahal added that the problems facing young people are becoming more serious. “The problems of loneliness, isolation and anxiety have always existed, but their intensity has increased.”
He attributes these problems to competition for jobs, career pressures, economic uncertainty, and the growing trend of Nepalis going abroad to study or earn a living.
Dahal explains that young people are less likely to interact face-to-face as individuals increasingly embrace social media to connect, communicate, and stay informed about events and issues. .
This increase in screen time, combined with platforms like Instagram, creates a culture of flaunting accomplishments and fosters unhealthy competition. Paradoxically, isolation and loneliness created by over-reliance on social platforms are among the most common problems faced by young people, according to Dahal.
Another trend Dr. Koirala has observed is the increasing recognition of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in adults and personality disorders in youth.
For most of them, 200 years Historically, ADHD was thought to be a childhood disorder. It wasn’t until the 1990s that we began to recognize its impact on adults.
“Over the last three to four years, research and awareness in Nepal has shown that ADHD in adults is prevalent,” said Koirala, who handles an average of 20 ADHD-related cases every month. I say.
“Young people are not only exploring the symptoms of disorders such as borderline personality disorder, but also sharing their experiences through blogs and articles,” Koirala said, adding that patients he has treated share their journeys. He talked about how he wrote articles and provided resources to others. “This level of openness and awareness was unthinkable 10 years ago.”
In Dahal, too, we are witnessing an increase in the number of young people who are turning to videos and reels on social media for psychological support.
While social media has amplified both awareness and the propensity to seek help, it is not without its drawbacks.
Many patients who come to Dahal say they searched Google for their symptoms or used AI tools like ChatGPT, which showed worst-case scenarios. This often worsens anxiety, and in the case of OCD, worsens symptoms.
An October 2024 Post article also explored how mobile screens and technology are reducing family interaction.
Bina Shrestha, a psychologist at Mankar Kula, said, “As work is tied to gadgets, parents struggle to differentiate between work and home, which leads to a lack of emotional connection in their children.” “This has led to a lack of capacity,” he said.
“Many young people say, ‘I don’t have anyone who understands me or who I can talk to about my problems,’ which shows how isolated they have become in recent years,” Dahal added. Ta.
Relationship issues are also a major concern for young people, Dahal said. Living together, connecting online, and breaking up and reconciling are common, increasing frustration and anxiety among young people.
This change is reflected in research by ChildSafeNet and the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI). investigated There were 4,501 participants aged 16 to 24. The report found that one in four young people in a relationship has experienced online intimate partner violence (IPV).
Experts also say young people’s language patterns are changing, with mental health terms increasingly being used casually. This trend diminishes the severity of these problems and encourages harmful self-labeling.
the study confirms his observations, revealing that casual misuse of mental health terms is on the rise, with anxiety (48%) and depression (37%) being the most self-diagnosed. Masu.
Although there are some negative trends among young people, positive aspects also remain.
Experts say young people understand that treatment involves more than just medication, but also lifestyle changes and psychological therapy.
“Misconceptions such as the need for lifelong medication are decreasing, and different treatments and approaches are becoming more accepted among young people. Some are encouraging parents and friends to consider treatment,” Koirala said. says.
While youth in urban areas like Kathmandu have benefited from increased awareness and resources, youth in other regions face persistent stigma and limited access to care.
“Many young people outside of areas like Kathmandu seek help only when their situation deteriorates significantly,” Dahal says.
He advocates integrating mental health services into local health systems and incorporating mental health education into school curricula.
Consistent with global practices, there is a rise in telephone helplines and online mental health platforms among young people.
But Koirala warns that there is a lack of regulation in Nepal regarding who can qualify as a counselor or therapist. “Many unqualified individuals operate counseling platforms and wellness centers that can mislead young people seeking help online.”
Governments need to enforce licensing and certification of mental health professionals to protect patients, he suggests.
Beyond the use of technology, experts emphasize the need for offline interventions such as community health camps and sensitization programs.
They also call for caution in how future generations, like Generation Beta, interact with technology, given its impact on relationships and self-perception.
