Mental Health Challenges Persist in Madhesh Province Amidst Lack of Awareness and Specialists
Summary
Madhesh Province faces a mental health crisis marked by a lack of awareness, shortage of specialist doctors, rising suicide rates, and societal stigma hindering timely treatment.
Key Points
- Madhesh Province, with a population of about 6.4 million, has only around 10 mental health specialists for patients.
- Suicide rates in Madhesh have been increasing steadily from 959 cases in 2077/078 to 1,288 in 2080/081.
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress are rising among adolescents and adults, with many patients seeking treatment late due to stigma.
- Efforts are underway to expand mental health services, including counseling trainings, medicine procurement, and public awareness campaigns, but challenges remain due to social stigma and lack of specialists.
