Under the theme ‘Young People and Mental Health in Changing World’ an interaction program was organized by Mental Health for All, in collaboration with Creasion Nepal, Lumbini College of Buddhism and Himalayan Foundation (LBHS), We for Health-Nepal, and Independent Citizen’s Coalition marking the 2018 World Mental Health Day on Monday at Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka. The program featured two mental health activists, Prasanna Subba, and Jagannath Lamichhane.

The event focused on ways to change the social stigmas related to mental health. According to the data presented in the interaction program, mental health problems begin at a young age, generally between 12 and 24 years. Mental health issues are related to growth, career, and development issues like education, career, family as well as physical and emotional well-being. 

Speaking at the event, Subba said, “Though high numbers of people are affected by mental health issues, mental health services are limited and centralized. People who have access to experts’ help hesitate to take services. The hesitation makes the condition even worse.” 

Shifting the spotlight toward suicides, the event revealed that 90 percent of suicide cases were associated with depression. Further explaining why youths are vulnerable to mental health issues, Subba added, “People have to face different kinds of problems during adolescence, including education problem, job problem, and so on. They become unable to cope with their circumstances. As a result young people become vulnerable to mental health issues.” 

The interaction also revolved around finding solutions to mental health problems. Lamichhane said, “Just like other physical illnesses, there must be an environment where people can freely speak about their mental problems. And for that, awareness is necessary.” 

He added, “Our social norms and traditional beliefs have created negative knowledge and stigma about mental health. However, we can bring positive changes if we educate the society, and encourage on breaking the negative mindset about mental health.”