KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Dr Sudha Gautam has stated that as the risk of mental health issues has been increasing recently, emphasis should be placed on spiritual lifestyle along with counselling to mitigate it.

Addressing the two-day ‘National Community Mental Health Conference’ organised by Tarangini Foundation in Kathmandu from today, she suggested that along with consultation from expert doctors, emphasis should be given to yoga and meditation in daily life.

Minister Dr Gautam presented statistics showing that every year 7,000 people commit suicide due to mental health issues and emphasised the need for the government, community and families to move forward together to reduce it.

“Stress, anxiety, loneliness and the lack of a suitable environment to express one’s feelings have been reducing people’s self-esteem. Without self-confidence, there is a risk of taking any wrong step,” she said and added, “That is why everyone’s role in promoting positive thinking is essential. The government is trying to work through its subordinate bodies, hospitals for easy and smooth service delivery, and through policy reforms. Other stakeholders also need to take this issue seriously and work on it.”

Minister Dr Gautam mentioned that after taking charge of the ministry, she has been focussing on managerial and policy reforms by prioritising mental health.

She stated that for this, subordinate health institutions are providing counselling support services, offering advice to workers abroad through ‘telemedicine’ services, and she has been engaging in work and improvements according to the health policy.

“Recently, there are many individuals and organisations providing counselling services in Nepal. Various educational institutions are also producing skilled personnel, but due to insufficient positions, their utilisation has not been possible. Therefore, we are engaged in long-term policy work focussing on human resource management, national health education, widespread promotion of awareness materials through the National Health Information and Communication Centres, and ensuring equal and easy access to mental health for all,” said Minister Dr Gautam.

At the programme, senior psychiatrist Dr Pushparaj Sharma and psycho-social counsellor Sunita Shrestha among others shared their views on community mental health.

The two-day conference will hold extensive discussions on the causes, challenges, treatment status, and solutions of mental health issues.