Written by: Aagya Bhandari - 23002, Grade XI
Posted on: 17 February, 2022
Nepal is one of the developing countries in South Asia. We have progressed in various developmental projects but regarding the health sector there is still a lot to do, not only with the cure and prevention, new technology but also with the concept or awareness of the disease and as most of the population is still unaware about the term “Mental Illness'''. Here most of the people think that suffering from mental illness is the same as being crazy, becoming unfit to remain in society and the family, and the reason behind that is due to loss of control over self or being possessed by a holy spirit or a black magic. Individuals with severe mental disorders, as well as their family members, are targets of stigma and discrimination to the point where they hesitate to come forward for appropriate treatment.
The mind and body are considered distinct entities in Nepalese culture, thus mental illness is viewed as being separate from physical illness. Mental health is highly stigmatized in our community. Stigma and discrimination are the major barriers for seeing mental health care in the community. The cause of mental illness and distress, as well as needs of sufferers, are largely being ignored. Nobody really likes to talk about it because of which a person having a hard time with mental health cannot ever speak about it. Even patients with neurotic disorders do not like to consult mental health professionals because of the stigma of mental disease. The key barriers to accessing mental healthcare are lack of awareness on mental health, lack of adequate mental health professionals and treatment facilities. There is only one mental health hospital in the country, and mental health services are not easily available in rural and remote areas. Mental health infrastructure is poor and human resources are not sufficient to meet the need. At present, most psychiatric wards are staffed and run by general nursing staff without specialized training in mental health or disorder. Governmental structures to address mental health are not yet in place.
To ensure the availability and accessibility of mental health services for all , and in particular for the most vulnerable and under-privileged groups, mental health services have to be integrated into the general health services system of the country. Mental health care facilities should be developed and have an active and dynamic interaction with the communities they serve. Mental health services have to be made available at the regional, district and peripheral levels. They have to be integrated into general health services at all levels including primary health care. Mental health resources have to be distributed in accordance with the mental health policy, and adequate supply of essential psychotropic drugs should be maintained. mental health legislation to insure the rights of people with mental disorders has to be developed and implemented. Finally, awareness raising activities on the formulated rights have to be done as well.
