Nepal Launches Historic Nationwide Mental Health Campaign Under Minister Mehta

Nepal is taking a monumental step toward better public well-being with the launch of a **nationwide campaign** dedicated to expanding **mental health services** and boosting public awareness. Under the direct leadership of **Minister Nisha Mehta**, the Ministry of Health and Food Safety has committed to mobilizing government mechanisms across all levels-federal, provincial, and local-to ensure treatment and support reach every corner of the country.

**Ministry Secretary Bikash Devkota** recently chaired a critical meeting with health officials to coordinate the rollout of these essential services. This unified effort signals a shift from fragmented initiatives to a cohesive national strategy, aiming to address the growing mental health challenges facing the population, particularly among youth.

Breaking the Stigma and Building Access

The campaign addresses a long-standing barrier in Nepal: the deep **stigma** surrounding mental illness. Many individuals still fear being labeled as "crazy" or "mad," which deters them from seeking the help they need. By prioritizing **public awareness**, this initiative aims to normalize conversations about mental well-being and empower communities to recognize where and how to seek support.

Historically, Nepal has integrated suicide prevention into its **National Mental Health Policy**, yet implementation has often been limited. Previous efforts like the 2017 **Community Mental Health Care Package** and the 2022 **"Khulla Mann"** District Mental Health Care Program laid the groundwork by integrating care into primary health centers and district hospitals. This new campaign seeks to amplify those efforts, ensuring services are **accessible, affordable, and acceptable** to all, especially vulnerable populations.

What This Means for You

As the campaign rolls out, citizens will have improved access to critical resources. For immediate support, Nepal already offers several key helplines:

• **1166**: The TUTH Suicide Prevention Hotline, available 24/7 for free and confidential support.
• **+977 9801 332 332**: The Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal helpline, offering trauma and crisis counseling.
• **+977 1 5547460**: The Blue Diamond Society helpline for LGBTQIA+ mental health support.

With international partners like **UNICEF** and the **WHO** applauding similar government launches, this campaign represents a collaborative push to reduce stigma and ensure that **every child and adult** knows how to access mental health care. As Nepal moves forward, the focus remains on **capacity building**, **service integration**, and creating a society where mental health is treated with the same urgency as physical health.