Normally, the pressure of modern life, unforeseen circumstances in relationships, and not meeting expectations and lifestyles are considered contributors to psychological well-being. But It is also critical to highlight the substantial effects of political instability, financial hardships and economic instability within the general conversations about mental health.
This can be observed from the perspective of the biopsychosocial model of health which is an approach to understanding our overall health from psychological, biological and social perspectives. And how the interplay of different elements of these factors contributes to the person’s overall well-being.
As previously indicated, social elements comprise social relationships, social support, resource availability, economic position, and influences. All of the evidence suggests that extended political instability has a negative influence on Nepal’s socioeconomic situation. When we examine social factors, we can see how this turmoil significantly impacts people’s lives.
Results of being a federal democratic republic
Our civil unrest, armed conflicts, frequent changes in leadership, and policies, high inflation rate, employment, poor governance and migration are the reasons for mental health issues. As the population struggles to maintain their livelihood in these situations, it increases emotional suffering and makes people more susceptible to the negative impacts of societal norms and individual obstacles.
The decade-long struggle caused significant economic disruptions, population dislocation, and societal effects. When major investment was required to reconstruct the infrastructure destroyed during the battle, the nation’s limited resources became stretched.
The transition to a federal democratic republic resulted in political instability, irregular policies and frequent government changes, which deterred foreign investment and hampered economic growth. While the economy was attempting to mount and dust was trying to settle, the earthquake in 2015 hit another nail in the coffin putting all the efforts back to square one.
Similarly, the global pandemic of 2019 hit the world hard but more fiercely to an economy like ours where the majority of the economy relies on foreign aid and remittance.
According to a World Bank analysis, following its transfer to the federal system, Nepal’s erratic GDP growth averaged 4.2 per cent. According to the same assessment, this growth rate is not high enough to meet the 7 per cent threshold needed for the much-needed development shift to be classified as an emerging economy.
With both anticipated and unanticipated events, there has been a never-ending cycle of political and economic instability with consequences that are evident in the GDP, which has long contributed to socio-economic problems.
The effects are substantial and affect the population’s emotional well-being. Prolonged financial difficulties, indicated by a stagnating or diminishing GDP, intensify destitution, joblessness, and income disparity, culminating in widespread socio-economic issues such as insufficient availability of healthcare, education, and other services.
Populations are often more uneasy and insecure as a result of these circumstances, and this can lead to a variety of psychological problems. Anxiety, sadness, and a sense of powerlessness are frequently brought on by the ongoing stress of uncertain finances and a lack of possibilities.
For many young people in particular, the economic crisis has exacerbated unemployment and underemployment, which has left them feeling hopeless and dissatisfied. Following the erratic GDP growth, the economic downfall has aggravated unemployment and underemployment which has left people with hopelessness and dissatisfaction.
Emotional and psychological challenges
Families have migrated from rural to urban areas, and youths migrate to other countries for job opportunities, which is straining social services and urban infrastructure and creating stressful, small-space living conditions. Conflicts between families, among communities and a sense of social injustice are made worse by the widening socioeconomic divide and inequality.
Emotional and psychological difficulties arise when family members, especially young ones, are separated, as this erodes conventional family ties and support networks. As a result of this disintegration, social cohesiveness is weakened and communal peace and stability are further upset by alienation and mistrust.
In the study by TPO Nepal, migrant workers reported experiencing psychological and mental health problems such as hopelessness, irritability, feelings of vengeance, harmful alcohol use, psychosis, thoughts of self-harm, feelings of guilt, sadness, sleep disturbances, excessive worries, restlessness, tension and apprehension.
Because of the strain of unstable finances, long-term separation from their loved ones, and worry about their well-being, families of migrant workers frequently experience psychological and mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and despair.
These mental health issues can make family members less productive and engaged in the economy, which perpetuates a cycle of poverty and slows down economic progress. Further impacting the economy is the load on the healthcare system to treat these mental health concerns, which likewise takes resources away from other important areas.
Another important area to notice is the rise of hopelessness among youths, career uncertainties and educational migration amid political and economic instability. Their ongoing exposure to political unrest through the media complicates their worry and creates a pessimistic view of their chances for the future. Such fluidity interrupts the job market and education system, encouraging young populations to explore opportunities abroad leading to brain drain in their home countries.
These scenarios result in scaling the local economic challenges, as the migration depletes the skilled workforce needed for economic growth. Even the youths seeking education and opportunities here have a larger chance of developing insecurities in the political climate.
This may weaken mental health further, setting off a vicious cycle of socioeconomic decline and psychological anguish that impedes the advancement of both the person and the country.
Need to prioritise mental health
Referring to the biopsychosocial model of health, we can surely state that prolonged periods of political and economic instability would lead to a shift in national perceptions and the idea of stagnation. These ingrain in people a sense of helplessness and dejection. With more than 60 per cent of the population falling in the age group of 15-64 leads us to an understanding that the population considered to be a contribution to the national economy has a different impression.
There are flickering glimmers of optimism, but everyone else sees turmoil and predicts a bleak future. The inference is about seeing where everything is leading us and a challenge in an economy like ours to encompass the whole elements and provide the solutions. On the other side it is important to prioritise mental health care, reinforcing social safety nets, encouraging financial literacy, embracing digital change, and creating sustainable economies are all vital.
What is important for an economy like ours should be our topic for research rather than bringing a model which pleases the masses and sets political routes. Effective solutions should address these difficulties by offering support networks, encouraging resilience, and increasing community empowerment.
A nation that balances social cohesiveness, cultural diversity, and traditional practices may find it difficult to implement new financial regulations, develop a sustainable economy, or create new job possibilities. All the structures lie on the bed of the population’s existing impressions, problems and different questions to ponder. Psychosocial problems and the range of entities it covers address a whole framework of social and economic development.
In the global open market, the idea is not about holding the population inside the fences but bridging the gap between social identity, financial literacy and seeing a prospective future. In addition to being crucial for one’s own well-being, psychological well-being also empowers people to make wise decisions and take proactive measures to better their financial circumstances.
We can build a society that encourages economic stability, values individual well-being, and supports mental health for all by realizing the connection between unstable economic conditions and mental health and taking proactive measures to address it.
