In 2020, the National Mental Health Survey Nepal reported that 5.2 percent of adolescents suffered from mental disorders, with neurotic and stress-related conditions accounting for 2.8 percent. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts among adolescents was approximately 4 percent, while suicide attempts stood at 0.7 percent.
Three years later, according to data from Nepal Police, 7,223 people died by suicide in the fiscal year 2023-24, following a total of 13,823 suicides in the previous two years (2021-22 and 2022-23).
More than 40 percent of these victims were farmers, with students representing the second-largest group at 15.4 percent.
Mental health professionals see a major shift in youths’ mental health, particularly in terms of awareness and the growing inclination to seek treatment.
Dr Rishav Koirala, a…