‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

 ‘A person smiling on the outside may be in pain on the inside’

A hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are further increasing mental pressure.

The \'Let's talk about our hearts\' campaign launched by the Government of Nepal is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority and break the silence.

The campaign aims to encourage adolescents, youth and the general public to seek awareness, empathy and support about mental health.

We live in a society bound by collective thinking and culture. It is our habit to talk to each other, gather, and exchange experiences. There is no shortage of words at home, in tea shops, in the office or on social media. But one important thing is often overlooked in all this dialogue - the heart.

From the outside, many people look normal and happy. They have a smile on their face, and they behave naturally. But that smile is not always genuine. Some people smile for show so that no one sees their pain. On the inside, they may be tired, scared, confused, and depressed. These mental struggles that are not visible on the outside are not easily understood, and are often ignored.

The Importance of the ‘Let’s Talk About It’ Campaign

The ‘Let’s Talk About It’ campaign launched by the Government of Nepal is not just an information program, it is a national initiative to make mental health a social priority, break the silence, give courage to speak up, and encourage people to seek help.

The campaign focuses on promoting awareness, empathy, compassion, and dialogue about mental health, especially among adolescents, young people, and the general public. It aims to remove discrimination and misconceptions, develop stress management and various skills, and encourage people to seek professional help when needed. In addition, the campaign also covers social safety and support services such as digital wellness, family and community support, and the 1166 helpline.

The Pain Behind the Smile

In daily life, many people are fulfilling their responsibilities with a smile, but on the inside, they are suffering. They want to express their feelings, but they are afraid - 'If I tell my pain, will society think I am weak, will they criticize me, will they blame me?' Worries like these prevent them from speaking up.

Because of these thoughts and fears, the pain of the mind remains hidden inside. Over time, these problems become deeper and begin to affect the person's performance, relationships, and enthusiasm for life. Eventually, it may become difficult to even do normal tasks.

How do mental problems look?

Many in our society still associate mental problems with 'madness'. Most people easily assume that 'he is depressed' or 'he is crazy' when they see symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, fatigue, or inability to concentrate. But the reality is different from such simple perceptions.

Mental problems come in many forms and can manifest differently in each person. While some may suffer from constant sadness, lack of confidence, or insomnia, others may experience excessive anger, anxiety, social distancing, or changes in behavior.

Some people may experience difficulty expressing their feelings, losing focus at work or school, or having difficulty fulfilling daily responsibilities. Similarly, there may be a more severe mental health problem that can have a long-term impact.

Importantly, not all mental health problems are always obvious from the outside. Some people hide their suffering and act as if they are normal, which can mislead society. Therefore, a sensitive approach is needed to understand each person’s experiences, circumstances, and inner feelings, rather than judging mental health problems solely based on external behavior.

Why is a mental health campaign necessary now?

Mental health problems are not new in Nepal. But the environment for talking about them openly was not created for a long time. Many still associate mental health with ‘weakness’ or ‘madness’. These are challenging times – a hectic lifestyle, economic insecurity, rising unemployment, social expectations and fear of the future, as well as the influence of excessive social media, are increasing mental pressure.

These are the reasons why people are stressed inside. In such situations, the ‘Speak Your Mind’ campaign works to break the silence, encourage people to speak up, and create an environment that encourages them to seek help.

Listening: Our Shared Responsibility

Many people ask – what can we do if we are not the treating doctors? The answer is simple – we can listen. This means listening attentively, not interrupting, and not imposing immediate solutions. Without denying feelings, sometimes a simple statement like ‘I understand you’ can be a great support.

When is it necessary to seek help from a specialist?

Not all problems can be solved by yourself or with the help of a friend. If the problem persists for a long time, begins to affect work, studies, or relationships, persistent negative thinking increases, or thoughts of self-harm/suicide begin to arise, it is essential to seek help immediately.

In this case, consulting a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional can be a life-saving step. Seeking help early makes it easier to manage mental health problems and can have a positive impact on a person’s life, functioning, and overall health. The effect is profound.

Only when we speak our minds, understand others, and show empathy can we build a healthy, collaborative society. The ‘Speak Your Mind’ campaign gives us this message – speaking up is not weakness, it is courage. Sometimes, a little listening and a little support can save a life.