Mental Health Matters: Mental Health Awareness and Coping Skills

On 10 August 2025, Young Leaders Collaboration for Global Health-Nepal (YLCGH-Nepal) conducted a Mental Health Awareness Session at Shree Shanta Secondary School, Pokhara, engaging students from Grades 7 and 8. The session aimed to strengthen students’ understanding of mental health and its connection to overall well-being while creating an open and supportive environment for conversations around emotional health. Students were introduced to common mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, with emphasis on recognizing early signs, developing healthy coping strategies, and seeking appropriate support. The session also addressed addiction awareness, including potential harms associated with excessive social media use, gaming, and substance use. Students explored practical approaches to maintaining their well-being through self-care practices such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, supportive relationships, and healthy daily routines. Additional focus was placed on time management and stress management. Students were introduced to practical tools including breathing exercises, mindfulness, and positive affirmations that can be incorporated into everyday life to support emotional regulation and resilience. Through this interactive session, YLCGH-Nepal sought to promote mental health literacy, challenge stigma, and empower young people with practical knowledge and skills to care for their emotional well-being. The initiative reinforced YLCGH-Nepal’s commitment to making mental health education an integral part of school-based health promotion and creating healthier, more supportive environments for young people.