Mental Health among informal settlers in Nepal

Strengthening Psychosocial Wellbeing Among Vulnerable Communities in Earthquake-Affected Jajarkot district in Karnali Province

 Jajarkot, a district characterized by long-standing socioeconomic vulnerability, was hit by a devastating earthquake on 2023. On the wake of the earthquake, the already vulnerable population had to cope with the loss of their properties and many of them had their family members, injured or dead. With multiple fatalities and destruction of properties, communities in Jajarkot continue to face heightened physical, social, and psychosocial vulnerability. On face of such devastating situation, PHASE Nepal has been relentlessly working in the earthquake affected region of Jajarkot to support the health and well-being of the people.

Our field staff working in communities in Barekot and Kushe Rural Municipalities in Jajarkot in Karnali province of Nepal have been providing training to the FCHVs (Female Community Health Volunteers), teachers and traditional healers in the community regarding the importance of mental health and psychosocial counselling training. These groups are the key change agents in the community who have influence on health-seeking behavior of the community.

Since the inception of the project in 2024, PHASE Nepal has successfully completed multiple training session for 73 FCHVs, 160 Mothers from different mothers’ groups, 154 traditional healers and 150 teachers from different government schools. The trainings focused on identification of need of psychosocial support and implementation of community based support strategies, with particular emphasis on psychological health issues caused by the earthquake and loss of property families and loved ones.

 Teachers who participated in the training shared;

“Mental health is a very sensitive topic, and the knowledge gained from this training will help us approach these issues with the utmost care, confidentiality, and respect for students’ privacy.”

Another teacher emphasized the role teachers can have in student’s learnings and well-being;

“As teachers, we are responsible not only for academic learning but also for students’ overall wellbeing. Approaching students with empathy and a positive attitude, such as a warm smile, is essential. This training has been a valuable opportunity for us, and we commit to applying these learnings in our classrooms and in our interactions with students.”

Similarly, FCHVs also reported increase in confidence in providing basic counselling services in the community.

“After participating in this training, we feel more confident in providing basic counselling support to community members. We will share and apply the knowledge we have gained to raise awareness about psychosocial wellbeing in our communities. We are grateful for this training opportunity.”

 We are thankful to ASIA and everyone whose support has made it possible to expand services in remote areas of Nepal. Your support helps us work with vulnerable communities and improve their health and wellbeing.

Community Mental Health Orientation – PHASE Nepal

Dear Friends,

PHASE Nepal recently organized a Mental Health Orientation Session in Soru Rural Municipality (wards 10 & 11, Dhainakot, Mugu). This program aimed to raise awareness on mental health, reduce stigma, and help community members better understand how to support each other.

Key Objectives

• Increase community knowledge about mental health and mental illness.
• Reduce stigma and myths related to mental health problems.
• Help participants identify early warning signs and know when to seek support.
• Share practical ways to promote well-being in families and communities.

Main Topics Covered

• What is mental health and mental illness?
• Seven warning signs of mental illness.
• Myths vs. facts about mental illness.
• Five practical tips to promote good mental health.
• Where to seek help and how to refer (including calling 1098 for child protection concerns).

Participation

A total of 88 community members joined the orientation:

• Male: 48
• Female: 40

The session was interactive and discussion-based, allowing participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and reflect on challenges faced in their own families and community. Role plays and group conversations helped make the learning practical and relevant.

Participants expressed that the session helped them understand the difference between normal behavioral changes and warning signs of mental health problems. Many shared that they now feel more confident to talk about mental health at home and encourage others to seek help when needed.

One participant shared:
"I used to think that only people with very severe problems had mental illness. Now I realize that even small changes in behavior can be early signs, and we can support each other before it gets worse."

This community-based orientation is part of PHASE Nepal’s broader effort to make mental health support more accessible and stigma-free at the grassroots level.

We sincerely thank you for making it possible to reach remote areas like Mugu with such important initiatives. Your support helps us create healthier, more supportive communities where everyone has the chance to live with dignity and well-being.

Warm regards,
PHASE Nepal Team