Tirtha Bahadur Shahi, 25

Mason/Farmer       

Pauwadungma Rural Municipality Bhojpur, Nepal

Everything changed for me around August last year, after the landslides and floods hit nearby areas. That night, I was sleeping when suddenly my heart started pounding – thump, thump, thump. I woke up in a panic, and all I could think about were the people who had died. A strange, terrifying thought entered my mind, and I couldn’t shake it off. 

From that night on, I became restless. The fear kept coming back. I felt like I was losing my mind. I always wanted someone beside me. I was scared I might die suddenly. Watching the news made it worse. I’d imagine our house being swept away. I’d picture how people died. My heart would race, and I would feel like I was next. It got to a point where I had to ask my wife to hide the sharp tools in the house. I was afraid I might hurt someone or myself. I couldn’t sleep at all.

I’d say I am 99% better now. I do get a little anxious when I am under stress. Sometimes I do think what would have happened to me had I not sought treatment or received the care that I needed. Maybe I would have wandered off somewhere, got lost, or even worse. Thanks to my wife, family and the services I received at the local health post, I am doing much better. 

These days, I spend my time doing household chores, farming, and cutting grass. During the day I work with a friend from the village in the fields, and in the evenings, I am at home with my wife and daughter. I know that overthinking can be dangerous so I keep myself busy.

Sajana Rai, 24

Homemaker

Pauwadungma Rural Municipality Bhojpur, Nepal

Most of the people in our village didn’t believe us when I shared what my husband was going through. Only my father-in-law understood. He was the one who suggested that I take my husband to the health post and seek counselling. Everyone else would say, “He’s just bluffing.” Thankfully, my in-laws were supportive. 

Seeing my husband undergo such feelings was extremely hard for me. We’ve been married for almost five years and have a three-year-old daughter.

When I first went to another health facility to seek care for him, people in the community scared me by saying there was no treatment for his condition. One woman even told me that her husband had been in the same situation and, even after spending a lot of money on treatment in a city hospital, he hadn’t improved. That terrified me. But I told myself- I’ll do whatever it takes to help him. And now, I am so glad to see that he’s better.

We were able to get the help needed, and we didn’t have to go far.

There’ll always be people who say negative things. But there are others who give us good advice.

Photo credit for all images: WHO Nepal/S.Shrestha