Key Takeaways:
- 185,725 people (11%) of Karnali's population reported mental health problems in 2021 census
- 30,000 currently on medication across 10 districts
- Karnali first province to adopt Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy 2079–2087
- 600 health workers trained on conversion disorder; awareness drives held in Chaukune and Panchapuri
- Contributing factors: poverty, unemployment, traditional beliefs, foreign employment, urbanisation, lifestyle changes, misuse of social media
Around 30,000 people in Karnali Province are currently receiving medication for mental health problems, prompting the provincial government to expand awareness, early identification and treatment programmes across all 10 districts.
According to the Social Development Ministry, 185,725 people, about 11 per cent of Karnali's 1.688 million population, were found to have mental health problems in the 2021 national census.
Mental health issues are reported more widely in urban areas than rural communities. Karnali was the first of Nepal's seven provinces to prepare a Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan 2079–2087, aimed at prevention and reduction.
Ministry contact person Khagendra Prakash Gaire said awareness and orientation programmes had been expanded to promote early identification and treatment. The province has trained 600 health workers on conversion disorder and recently conducted awareness programmes for elected representatives, students and teachers in Chaukune and Panchapuri municipalities.
Participants identified poverty, unemployment, traditional beliefs, foreign employment, rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles and misuse of social media as factors contributing to rising mental health problems.
The concern is closely linked to suicide. Karnali recorded 305 suicide cases in FY 2025/26, including 149 men, 81 women, 33 boys and 42 girls, according to ministry official Mahesh Sharma.
Psychiatrist Dr Sushil Samadarshi of Karnali Province Hospital, Surkhet, said discrimination, abuse and harmful traditional practices can contribute to detachment, depression, fear, tension and anxiety.
Social Development Ministry Secretary Roshani Kumari Shrestha called for greater openness in discussing mental health and urged communities to avoid prejudice and support those affected.
Officials and local representatives stressed that families, schools and all three tiers of government must work together to address the growing challenge, particularly among children and youth.