SURKHET: The number of people with mental health issues in Karnali Province has exceeded 3,600.
According to data provided by the Provincial Health Service Directorate, 3,686 people across the province are reported to have mental health problems.
West Rukum has the highest number with 1,353 cases, followed by Surkhet with 1,241, and Salyan with 589. Other districts with mental health issues Humla (149), Kalikot (134), Dailekh (122), Jajarkot (84), Mugu (11) and Jumla (3).
Dolpa has no recorded cases of mental health issues so far, according to Nawaraj Kandel, the information officer for the Provincial Health Service Directorate.
Mental health problems are prevalent among both adults and children. Of Karnali’s total population of 1,688,000, 11.7% of adults and 4% of children are affected by mental health issues, Kandel said.
The most common mental health problem is anxiety, affecting 1,811 people, followed by depression (635 cases). There are also 411 cases of epilepsy, 237 cases of substance abuse-related health issues, and 199 cases of psychosis.
Likewise, cases of conversion disorder, other mental disorders, other substance use disorders, bipolar disorder, emotional and behavioral disorders, suicide attempts and dementia have also been reported in the province.
According to Dr Sushil Samadarshi, a psychiatrist at Karnali Province Hospital, mental health issues are increasing on a daily basis in Karnali. “Most affected individuals are in the 15-60 age range. However, not even 1% of our health budget is spent on mental health,” he added.
Rural areas lack health facilities for mental health treatment. Some services are available through NGO initiatives, but they are limited.
According to Dr. Samadarshi, 28% of community-detected mental health problems are related to depression, and 40% to anxiety. About 5.2% of adolescents aged 13-17 and 10% of adults over 18 in the country have mental health issues, he added.
“Since mental health issues are present in many households, treatment services should not be limited to cities but should extend to district and local units. People with mental health problems often face social discrimination, stigma, and superstition,” he said, adding: “Due to lack of awareness, people still resort to faith healers and shamans for treatment.”
Even young children are now becoming affected by mental health issues. Dr. Samardarshi suggests that all sectors, including the government, should take responsibility. He recommends providing counseling and treatment with a high level of empathy and support to people with mental health issues.
According to a 2020 report by the Nepal Health Research Council, 5.2% of individuals aged 13-17 and 10% of the adult population suffer from mental illness. More than 90% of people with mental health problems in Nepal are deprived of treatment services. The report also states that mental health issue is the main reason for the increase in suicide cases.
