Nepal, May 21 -- Mental health is often not taken seriously in Nepal. Due to the deep-rooted stigma, many silently suffer, often without even realising they need help. The challenges continue even when people seek support, as institutions often fail to provide the promised care. As a result, people's trust in institutions has been eroding. This also creates a social divide, as only the ones who can afford expensive, private treatment may recover. Considering these issues, the Supreme Court has delivered a much-needed verdict acting on a Public Litigation filed by an NGO working on mental health, directing the government to reform the nation's mental health policies and services. This is encouraging.

Among the issues raised by the PIL was...