Anxiety — causes and treatment in Nepal

Anxiety in Nepal shows up as constant worry, panic attacks, social fear, or “overthinking” that family may minimize as weakness. Causes are often biological sensitivity plus stress — exams, marriage pressure, work abroad, trauma, or health fears.

Treatment works. Psychologist-led CBT and related therapies are first-line for many people; medication may help when symptoms are severe — via psychiatrist, not psychologist.

Common causes in Nepali context

• Academic and career pressure — SEE, +2, abroad study
• Financial insecurity and family obligations
• Relationship conflict or fear of abandonment
• Trauma — accidents, violence, chronic invalidation
• Health anxiety — especially after COVID-era hypervigilance
• Substance use or poor sleep worsening baseline anxiety

Types of anxiety

• Generalized anxiety — chronic worry, tension, fatigue
• Panic disorder — sudden peaks, chest tightness, fear of dying
• Social anxiety — fear of judgment, avoidance of gatherings
• Specific phobias — heights, flights, medical procedures
• OCD-related anxiety — intrusive thoughts and rituals

Also read: Help for anxiety in Kathmandu →

Also read: Panic attack — Nepali article →

Treatment options

• CBT — challenge catastrophic thoughts, gradual exposure
• Mindfulness and grounding — body-based calm skills
• Lifestyle — sleep, caffeine reduction, movement
• Medication — SSRI or others when appropriate (psychiatrist)
• Combined care — therapy plus medication for moderate-severe cases

Also read: CBT in Nepal →

Also read: Mental health medication in Nepal →