Manovikash Abhiyan: Breaking the Silence, Healing Hearts and Minds.

In a world where someone attempts suicide every three seconds and someone dies by it every 40 seconds, the silent epidemic of mental health struggles continues to take lives in the shadows. In Nepal, the pain is just as real—and just as hidden.

More than 6,500 suicide-related deaths were recorded by Nepal Police in 2022/2023. But mental health professionals warn this number is only a fraction of the truth. Due to stigma, fear, and cultural silence, nearly 90% of cases go unreported. Behind every statistic is a life lost too soon, a story that never got to be fully told.

Young people are among the most vulnerable. Nepal ranks 4th in suicide rates among youth aged 15–19 in Southeast Asia—a sobering reminder that behind the smiles of students and teenagers, there are often silent battles being fought.

In response to this growing crisis, WorldLink CSR, in partnership with Psychdesk Foundation, launched Manovikash Abhiyan—a heartfelt, community-driven movement for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

The campaign began on July 5, 2024, in Dhangadhi, Province 7. It wasn’t just an event. It was a safe space. A beginning. At the heart of the program was the “Side-Walk Talk” model—an open listening platform that offered chairs, compassion, and conversation. Residents sat down with trained listeners, often for the first time ever, to share their thoughts, fears, and emotions without fear of judgment.

In just six months, the Dhangadhi initiative reached 917 individuals, sparking a quiet revolution of honesty and emotional courage. Encouraged by this response, the campaign expanded to Province 1, Biratnagar, where, from August 28–31, the program combined Side-Walk Talk sessions with Mental Health Literacy Training, continuing into Bhadra–Mangsir 2081. The campaign was again expanded to province 5, Pokhara Where, from May 6–11, the program Side-Walk Talk sessions was continued for a Month. There, it reached an additional 1000+ residents, equipping individuals not only with awareness—but with tools to care for themselves and others.

What started as a pilot has become a growing movement. Manovikash Abhiyan is more than a campaign—it’s a lifeline. It’s a hand reaching out in the darkness. It’s a community learning to listen, to support, and to heal together.

At WorldLink CSR, we believe that every life matters, and that talking can save lives. Through Manovikash Abhiyan, we’re working to build a Nepal where no one has to suffer in silence. Where mental health is treated with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. Where empathy replaces stigma.

Because healing begins with listening. And change begins with care.

Pokhara: