Mental Health among informal settlers in Nepal

Many of people in the remote villages in Karnali in west Nepal face number of challenges such as poverty, unemployment, geographic isolation, financial stress, limited access to health care services, early marriage, menstrual exclusion, domestic violence etc. These conditions often create continuous stress in daily life and affect the mental wellbeing of individuals and families.

Mental healh problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, and substance use are nor rare in the communities. However, many people do not seek support due to stigma, low awareness, cultural beliefs, and lack of services in the community. This affects children, adolescents, adults, and elderly people, leading to difficulties in school attendance, success in education, family relationships, and social life.

PHASE Nepal organized awareness street dramas in different communities and schools across its working areas in Karnali Province to raise awareness on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. The street dramas used simple stories based on real-life situations such as financial problems, domestic violence, gender-based violence,family conflicts,  and stress in daily life.

The program was conducted in open community spaces so that many people could participate easily. Community members including children, adolescents, parents, teachers, students, FCHVs, Mother Group members, local leaders, and traditional healers actively participated and watched the performances.

The street dramas shared key messages about symptoms of mental health, ways of stress management and reducing stigma, positive coping methods, and the importance of seeking help from health workers and trained community volunteers.

After the program, people have started sharing their challenges and are more open to talking about mental health problems and emotional wellbeing. Stigma and negative attitudes gradually reduced. Community members started to understand that mental health problems are common and need care and support.

Teachers started identifying students with emotional problems and provide support or referral to health facilities well on time. FCHVs and Mother Group members also became more confident in identifying problems, giving basic support, and referring cases to health facilities. Traditional healers also showed more willingness to support referrals.

Overall, the street drama program helped increase awareness, reduce stigma, and improve early identification and support for people with mental health problems in communities. Continuity of similar programs is essential for the overall betterment of the community. Thank you very much for your support, we have been able to deliver these messages to needy communities in hard to reach areas of Nepal.