KATHMANDU, June 14: Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started offering free mental health check-ups with mental care specialists. The service will run every Sunday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 12 PM.
The KMC's Health Department has launched the initiative from the Urban Health Promotion Center in Ward 11, Babarmahal. It targets individuals suffering from mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.
Ward 11 Chairperson Hiralal Tandukar said the program aims to create an open environment for mental health treatment, addressing the stigma around these issues and reducing related risks.
Dr Anima Parajuli, a psychiatrist at Patan Hospital, explained that symptoms such as emotional outbursts, despair, restlessness, fear, anxiety, uneasiness, racing thoughts, loss of appetite and sleep, and frequent urination can be indicators of mental health problems.
She emphasized that early detection can prevent issues from escalating. "Experiencing persistent negative or distressing thoughts, sadness, anxiety, fear, hopelessness, unusual physical symptoms, erratic behavior, or difficulty performing daily activities could be signs of mental illness," said Dr. Parajuli.
Clinical psychologist Anupraj Bhandari from Patan Hospital added that the tendency to hide mental health problems often worsens the condition and increases patient loads in major hospitals. He believes ward-level specialist checkups will help reduce pressure on hospitals and improve service quality.
Bhandari advised practices such as speaking to someone trustworthy, consulting a counselor, exercising, drinking plenty of water, listening to or singing songs, and deep breathing.
"Maintain a balanced diet. Exercise for at least an hour daily. Reduce screen time from phones and laptops. Sleep for about eight hours. Avoid harmful substances. Seek help from psychologists or psychiatrists if needed. Practicing self-regulation is the first step to treatment," he said.
The KMC authority said it launched the program to reduce the risk of mental health issues by spreading awareness about symptoms, effects, and solutions; identifying individual conditions through check-ups and counseling; and ensuring timely treatment.