The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, intensifying feelings of isolation, anxiety, and despair.
In a world where physical illness garners compassion, mental health struggles remain shrouded in silence, leaving millions to suffer in the shadows of stigma and misunderstanding. Despite the growing conversation around mental health, shame and fear continue to push the most vulnerable to the margins, creating a silent epidemic.
Renowned Mental health activist Ruby Wax aptly states “The only shame in having a mental illness is in pretending you don’t,” Raising a crucial question, who doesn’t want to be cured? Who wants to pretend not to have issues and suffer in silence? By perpetuating stigma, society creates taboos and an environment that pressures individuals to hide their mental health challenges instead of seeking the help they need.
As per the report of WHO, every year, over 700,000 people lose their lives to suicide globally, with 77% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal. This grim statistic highlights the urgent need to address the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, intensifying feelings of isolation, anxiety, and despair. As a result, suicide rates have surged, with Nepal witnessing an alarming 14% increase in 2021 alone.
Mental Health and Human Rights
A National Mental Health Survey (2020) revealed that 80% of individuals needing mental health care do not receive it, largely due to stigma and the fear of discrimination. Mental health stigma involves a variety of negative, judgmental, and discriminatory attitudes toward those dealing with mental health conditions. Social stigma arises from societal beliefs that view mental health challenges as a sign of weakness, often leading to isolation and exclusion.
In contrast, self-stigma occurs when individuals absorb these perceptions, causing feelings of shame and hesitation to seek help. Structural stigma, on the other hand, refers to institutional policies and practices that perpetuate discrimination, creating barriers to healthcare and employment opportunities.
Nepal is in the critical sphere of being victimized by the years of taboo about mental illness. Mental health is frequently misunderstood as something controllable through sheer willpower, and those suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may be labelled as "lazy" or "weak." It is often perceived as a sign of madness or craziness, leading to the social isolation of those affected. The stigma is so entrenched that victims are frequently blamed for their condition.
Sometimes, it is considered just a matter of attention seeking resulting in victims self-stigmatizing them. Rather than being viewed as a serious health concern, mental health issues are often treated as family secrets, hidden away to maintain the family's prestige resulting in self-harm and increased suicide rates of victims. Moreover, even the act of taking medication can carry a stigma, with those who require it often viewed as outcasts within their social circles. This deeply ingrained stigma perpetuates a culture of silence and shame, making it imperative to challenge these perceptions and create an environment where individuals are isolated.
The American Psychological Association reports that loneliness can lead to long-term "fight-or-flight" stress signalling, causing less immunity and higher rates of inflammation. In some people, symptoms of a mental illness first appear as physical problems such as stomach aches, back pain, or insomnia. Dozens of mental illnesses have been identified and defined. They include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and many more. Early symptoms are often seen with slight changes in mood and physical pain. It is curable without medication at these stages.
But not many are aware, and those who are aware are isolated by family’s stigmatization. It is a common misconception that once someone is a victim of mental health issues, they remain a victim for life; this belief is not only misguided, it is pathetic that society presumes it. It’s high time for society to recognize that many mental health disorders are treatable, thanks to significant advancements in medical science that offer effective care for various conditions.
While some disorders may require lifelong medication, the majority have a positive outlook for recovery. Moreover, mental health experts emphasize that medication alone is insufficient; a supportive lifestyle, nurturing environment, and strong family backing are essential for healing. Thus, fostering social support and acceptance is vital, yet it remains an area where Nepal has significant room for improvement.
In many parts of Nepal, daughters-in-law in joint families are often burdened with the responsibility of managing all household chores. This heavy reliance on them can, in some cases, be seen as a form of oppression, restricting their personal freedom and disregarding their own interests. In certain communities, this is viewed as a normal expectation, but for many women, it becomes a source of silent suffering. The constant pressure can lead to mental health issues, yet these are rarely acknowledged. Instead, physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, trembling, rapid heartbeat, sadness, insomnia and even emotional distress are often dismissed as excuses to avoid work, rather than recognized as signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
It is often very complicated to share with the in-laws and this issue turns the women into a lifelong victim of mental health issues. Advocacy plays a critical role in this effort, empowering individuals and communities to challenge stigma and seek the support they need. self-advocacy empowers individuals to speak up for their own mental health needs and rights; peer advocacy involves individuals with lived experience supporting others in similar situations; public advocacy raises awareness and changes public perceptions about mental health; policy advocacy influences legislation and public policies impacting mental health care; and legal advocacy provides crucial support to protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions.
By amplifying these voices and fostering a culture of understanding, we can break down the barriers to access and promote a more compassionate society for all. Addressing mental health stigma in Nepal is essential for fostering a compassionate society. By advocating for awareness and support, we can empower individuals to seek help and recognize that many mental health disorders are treatable. Society always has something to say so focus on you. Help the people in need.
As a mental health advocate, Michelle Obama once said, “You may not always have a comfortable life, and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once. But don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have, because history has shown us that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” Do not take mental health issues as granted.
