July 22, 2024

One Year of the Community Mental Health Program!

We’re thrilled to celebrate one year of success with our Community Mental Health (CMH) program! Last July, Ankur Counseling Center, in collaboration with Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Ward 22, embarked on a mission to fight Nepal’s growing mental health crisis. The new program will increase access to mental health services and raise mental health awareness in communities across Nepal, starting here in Lalitpur.

The Community Mental Health program mainly includes:

Monthly Mental Health Desks (also called Man Chautari)
Mental Health Awareness Training
World Mental Health Day Celebrations

In close collaboration with community leaders, youth leaders, schools, and healthcare workers, the Community Mental Health program is raising mental health awareness, identifying and addressing mental health issues, and preventing suicide among adolescents and adults.

Click here to see photos of the launch on Instagram in July 2023.

Mental Health Desks (Man Chautari)

Students use the ‘Feelings Thermometer’ to show how they are feeling at the moment.

Mental health awareness is extremely low in Nepal, so our Ankur Counseling team is starting from the ground up to build a better community understanding of mental wellness as a concept.

School- and community-based monthly mental health desks, or Man Chautari, provide children and adults a safe place to share their feelings with peers and counselors, individually or in groups, thus normalizing the act of exploring mental wellness in community.

Ankur counselors have been instrumental in conducting these Man Chautari sessions at Adarsha Saula Higher Secondary School, Bakhel Kumari Basic School, and a single women’s group in the community. Additionally, they lead thematic sessions on various psychological topics, further enriching these gatherings.

Mental Health Awareness Training

To strengthen mental wellness skills among community leaders and stakeholders from Ward 22, Ankur conducted two three-day training events this past year focused on counseling and effective communication. Participants included schoolteachers, health workers, and volunteers from other local social service organizations.

After the completion of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of mental health factors and the significance of counseling. Those who attended are not only better equipped to identify psychological issues among their clients, but also offer counseling, and refer cases to Ankur as needed. Even more, participants learned to recognize and interact in a nurturing manner with individuals exhibiting suicidal tendencies.

In Ward 22, where mental health challenges and suicide rates are significant, participants strategized to raise awareness and prevent suicide. A 2023 survey conducted by the Community Mental Health Program revealed that 26% (80 out of 310) reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. Additionally, police reports recorded 13 suicides last year in a population of around 8,000. Our team aims to lower these rates and improve community access to quality mental health care.

We are encouraged by the progress made in training community leaders and stakeholders in Ward 22 to address mental health challenges. Therefore, the Community Mental Health Program will continue to place a significant focus on suicide prevention by equipping participants with the skills to recognize and support individuals with suicidal tendencies. Our comprehensive approach includes raising awareness, providing counseling, and ensuring access to quality mental health care. As a result, we are creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in Ward 22, and beyond.

Participants of the three-day training, with Ankur Counselors, NYF-Nepal Executive Director, and the Chairperson of Ward 22, Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

Creative Movement Therapy (CMT) Training

A group of healthcare workers and community health volunteers, participated in Creative Movement Therapy (CMT) training at Ankur Counseling Center. CMT is a psychotherapeutic framework that utilizes the mind-body connection and movement to release emotional and physical stress.

World Mental Health Day Celebration

Ankur Counseling Center staff attend World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023.

NYF celebrates World Mental Health Day every year on October 10th. This last year was no exception—with special mental health awareness programs focusing on schools. Ankur organized art competitions, poster presentations, speeches, and face painting at Adarsha Saula Secondary School. The program was chaired by the Chairperson of Ward 22, Lalitpur Metropolitan City and attended by students and teachers.

Click here to see photos from World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our community of donors for their unwavering support of Ankur and this program. Your contributions make a significant difference in our efforts to address mental health in Nepal. As we look to the future, we are excited about the continued growth and impact of this initiative. Ankur, Nepal’s original child-focused counseling center and a leader in mental health awareness, is proud to take this important step forward. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for communities across Nepal.

You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide, get help right away by contacting your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, you may call or text the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline at 988 or message the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting https://www.crisistextline.org/. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.