"While physical pain can be easily observed and addressed, psychological distress often remains unseen. However, its impact on daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life can be equally profound. This highlights the need to prioritize mental health care alongside physical health interventions."

Currently, Nepal has witnessed a wave of protests led predominantly by Generation Z. Sparked by frustration over unemployment, governance, and social justice issues, these demonstrations have captured national attention. While protests are an important part of democratic expression, they can also bring psychological strain to both participants and the wider community. From a clinical psychology perspective, it is important to explore how such socio-political unrest affects individual and collective mental health.

Protests often create a climate of uncertainty, fear, and tension. For young people, especially students and emerging professionals, the disruption of daily life and education can trigger stress, anxiety, fear and hopelessness. Social media, which amplifies both the voices of protestors and the spread of graphic images, may heighten emotional reactivity and collective distress.

Research evidence shows that exposure to political unrest is linked with increased risks of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use (Barber, 2009; Canetti-Nisim et al., 2009). Even indirect exposure such as hearing about violence or instability can contribute to what psychologists call "vicarious trauma."

Gen Z in Nepal is particularly vulnerable to mental health concerns. This generation is already coping with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic insecurity, and limited opportunities for higher education and employment. According to developmental psychology, adolescence and emerging adulthood are sensitive stages where identity, stability, and belonging are central needs. Prolonged unrest can threaten these developmental tasks, leaving lasting psychological effects.

Beyond individuals, protests disrupt social cohesion. Parents worry about their children's safety, workers face stress due to transportation shutdowns, and entire communities may experience a sense of helplessness. In countries like Nepal where mental health resources are already scarce, widespread unrest further strains coping systems. Historical parallels can be drawn from the People's Movement in 1990 and 2006, where studies documented elevated psychological distress among youth exposed to violence and instability.

Clinical psychology emphasizes both individual and collective resilience. Strategies may include, Psychosocial support services in schools, universities, and communities. Peer support groups, where youth can express emotions in a safe space. Psychoeducation about stress, coping, and emotional regulation. Policy-level intervention, ensuring that the state and civil society organizations recognize mental health as a priority during unrest.

Through my studies and observations, I have come to understand that mental health needs to be considered as urgently as physical health especially in times of social unrest. History, from the world wars to Nepal's own movements in the 1990s, reminds us that political struggles leave emotional scars that may last long after the streets fall silent. As a psychology student, I believe it is our shared responsibility to bring these unseen struggles into the light.

Terisa Tamang is a student of Clinical Psychology