Oct 11, Kathmandu - An interaction program titled “Mental Health: From Understanding to Solutions” was held last Saturday at the hall of Tarakeshwar Municipality to mark World Mental Health Day.

The event was jointly organized by the National Creative Society, Tarakeshwar, and Komal Academic Centre, Budhanilkantha, with technical support from Kathmandu Model Hospital, Bagbazar. Experts discussed how to recognize mental health concerns, respond supportively, and connect people with appropriate care.

Presenters included senior psychiatrist Dr. Namrata Pradhan; psychosocial counselor and mental health practitioner Bijaya Bijukchhe; sociologist Shyam Kumar Devkota; nursing specialist Sanu Malla; Acharya Guru Rohini Raj Timilsina; astrologer Dr. Janak Bhatt; and yoga instructor Srijana Paudel Rana.

Discussions highlighted the role of nurses in identifying early signs of mental distress, expanding community nursing services, and involving psychosocial workers. For people requiring clinical care, participants emphasized an integrated approach combining psychiatric treatment, psychological therapies, psychosocial counseling, specialist nursing and yoga therapy.

Experts also discussed rehabilitation and recovery, noting that community support groups and spiritual practices—including satsang, mantra recitation and meditation—may complement care alongside healthy routines and nutrition. They said local governments could strengthen mental health by developing coordinated, community-level services.

The program also addressed common misconceptions and discrimination surrounding mental health, and the roles individuals, families, communities, organizations and local authorities can play in building a supportive society.

Tarakeshwar Municipality spokesperson and Ward No. 2 chairperson Radhakrishna Khadgi attended as chief guest. The program was facilitated by Prakash Dhakal, secretary of the National Creative Society, education advocate and training facilitator.

Kathmandu Model Hospital Nursing Director Radhika Ghimire said mental health should not be treated solely as an individual concern or the responsibility of one sector, but as a shared responsibility requiring coordinated action. She called for local psychosocial counseling and rehabilitation centers and expanded access to psychiatric services.

Participants, including female community health volunteers, welcomed the program and called for mental health awareness activities to reach wards and neighborhoods. The event concluded with a call to encourage open conversation, listen without judgment, and help people access support and treatment.