Voices Unheard: Strengthening Student Mental Health & Support

March 13, 2026

The Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention Program was conducted at Chamunda Secondary School in coordination with Gokarneshwor Municipality for 69 grade 9 students. The two-hour session was facilitated by psychiatric nurse and psychologist Ms. Sujata Sitoula and mental health social worker Mr. Pawan Poudel, along with the NSRC team. The program included presentations, pre- and post-assessments, anonymous message sharing, gatekeeper training, interactive discussions, and box breathing mindfulness exercises. Students gained awareness about mental health, emotional regulation, suicide prevention, and stress management techniques. Key findings highlighted challenges such as academic pressure, family conflicts, emotional neglect, trauma, fear of failure, teacher-related stress, and experiences of harassment among students. The session created a safe platform for emotional expression and encouraged students to seek help and support when facing mental health difficulties.