Mental health issues surface among Nepali youth following the Gen Z demonstration
In the aftermath of the recent violent protests in Nepal, a significant rise in mental health issues among children and adolescents has been reported, particularly at Kanti Children's Hospital in Maharajgunj.
According to a study, the number of young patients dealing with mental health problems has increased significantly. The findings reveal a 20% increase in alcohol use and an 11% increase in suicidal thoughts among the displaced. Excessive anger was reported by around 34% of the respondents, and over 5% of people had elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Dr Karki, a mental health expert, emphasises that mental health problems in the aftermath of disasters are common worldwide. He warns of the flare-up of mental health issues in the wake of major disasters and calls for timely measures to address them.
The majority of patients suffer from sleep disorders and repeatedly recount the incidents, causing worry about their repetition. Some patients fear leaving home or going to school, as seen in the case of an eight-year-old girl from Kathmandu who has been experiencing insomnia and anxiety, fearing her house might be set on fire. The girl's parents have reported that she screams and cries when they leave the room and is fearful of small sounds or people talking nearby.
Many patients have acute stress reactions, causing insomnia, and some have been prescribed sleep medication. The report shows that 42% of people reported 'distress' as a serious problem in their community.
Experts suggest ensuring easy access to counselling services, timely detection of mental health problems, imparting life skills, and creating general awareness to address mental health issues. The Ministry of Health and Population has discussed with multiple stakeholders about the growing mental health problems and plans to launch measures for the next six months.
It's important to note that problems are more severe among children and adolescents who already had mental health issues. A study after the 2015 Gorkha earthquake showed a 34% rise in anxiety and depression in major quake-hit districts.
While organisations like the Nepal Red Cross Society and the municipality of Changunarayan have engaged with the issue of mental health and aging, establishing groundwork for awareness and support in Nepal, specific organisations collaborating recently to discuss measures for the next six months and start a social media awareness campaign on mental health in Nepal are not explicitly mentioned in the search results.
Most patients seek treatment at hospital outpatient departments or private clinics. Reports of a surge in mental health problems have been coming from districts following last week's violent protests, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and resources.
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