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In the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal has endured decades of political turmoil –from monarchy to democracy, from conflict to fragile peace. Yet today, while the country boasts a democratic structure, instability continues to plague its politics –marked by party splits, government collapses, corruption scandals and public distrust. But amid this political noise, a quieter crisis brews beneath the surface: the mental health of ordinary citizens.
For many Nepalese, especially the younger generation, political instability has become a source of chronic stress. Frequent changes in leadership, lack of policy continuity, delayed development projects and the absence of economic reform have left citizens feeling frustrated, disillusioned and powerless. When a citizen does not know what to expect from tomorrow, when elections mean little change and when leaders prioritise power over progress, hope starts to fade.
This psychological burden is especially visible among youth and working-class families. The constant fear of unemployment, economic stagnation and brain drain has led to rising levels of anxiety and depression. Suicide rates in Nepal, already among the highest in South Asia, are a stark indicator of this silent suffering.
Nepal's mental health infrastructure is alarmingly underdeveloped. The World Health Organisation reports that there are fewer than 2 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in Nepal. While mental health issues rise due to external stressors like political instability, there remains limited access to professional care, especially in rural areas.
Moreover, social stigma surrounding mental health discourages many from seeking help. In families grappling with daily survival, emotional distress is often dismissed as weakness. But ignoring these signs does not eliminate them, it deepens the crisis.
Interestingly, poor mental health also affects civic engagement. Disillusioned citizens may withdraw from voting, activism or community involvement – allowing corrupt systems to thrive. This creates a vicious cycle: political dysfunction leads to poor mental health, and poor mental health leads to civic apathy, which further entrenches dysfunction.
To heal the nation, mental health must become a political priority, not a side issue. Policies should include increased mental health funding and outreach, especially in schools and rural areas; civic education and youth engagement programmes to restore a sense of hope and agency and public campaigns to destigmatise mental health and encourage open conversations.
Additionally, political leaders must be held accountable for the emotional well-being of the people they serve.
