Mental Health among informal settlers in Nepal

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