She asked the AI: “I am very stressed, I can’t sleep, what should I do?” The AI suggested she seek counseling.
Meena (name changed) from Baglung received a visa to go to Dubai. The visa was for work. But just before her flight, she discovered that she had fallen into the trap of middlemen. The company that had promised her a certain salary and benefits had, in fact, made an agreement that half of it would go to the agents. Seeing those conditions, she decided not to go to Dubai. Although all the expenses were refunded, her heart was not happy. She worried about how she would face her family and community after bidding farewell as if she were leaving for abroad. Her friends all returned to their homes.
Meena, burdened with worries, also set out from Kathmandu toward Baglung. But at Zero Kilometer in Pokhara, she lost the courage to continue home and got off the bus. She had not met her husband for six years. She had no children. Neither was her husband by her side. She kept wondering how she could return to the village. Her phone battery was almost dead. She felt hopeless about her life and had no idea whom to talk to.
From 9 in the morning until the afternoon, she kept walking back and forth along Lakeside road. Because of her extreme stress and overwhelming thoughts, she became confused about where she was and where to go. Around 7 in the evening, she checked into a hotel at Lakeside. The room cost 2,000 rupees. She could not sleep the whole night. She charged her phone. Her husband called her on Messenger, but she did not feel like picking up. Relatives also tried to call, but she didn’t answer anyone. “Only around 9 a.m. I spoke to my husband. I told him I don’t want to go home. I don’t feel like I can live in the village,” she said. She cried, saying her dream of going abroad to Dubai and joining her husband was also left incomplete. After crying, her heart felt a little lighter, but the worries and stress remained.
She stayed in that hotel for three days. From time to time, she had the habit of talking with AI. She asked the AI: “I am very stressed, I can’t sleep, what should I do?” The AI suggested she seek counseling. She asked again, “Where in Pokhara can I find someone who understands my feelings?” The AI answered, “There is also Heart-Mind Consultancy.” She asked for the location, timing, and phone number. The AI provided everything. Even after getting the number, she couldn’t gather the energy to call. On the third day, around 4 p.m., she finally made the call and booked a counseling session.
AI is only technology. But in the field of mental health, it carries the potential to become an initial companion and guide. For many youths like Meena, AI has already become a companion. Many young people now share their symptoms with AI. When asked whether they share their worries with anyone when feeling stressed or anxious, many counseling clients say their answer is “AI.” They say, “People don’t understand. We don’t trust them. AI just listens and talks back. Our hearts feel lighter.” The simple style, pleasant language, positive approach, and accessible advice of AI help people feel lighter and supported in the early stages.
AI can communicate in both Nepali and English. At a time when many youths are struggling with mental health issues, AI’s support can increase access to psychosocial and mental health care. AI is only technology, a tool that gives computers or machines the ability to think, learn, solve problems, make decisions, and improve from experience like humans. But it does not possess human-like emotions or feelings. It works based on available data, studies, exercises, and programmed knowledge.
With AI’s help, people can better understand the symptoms they are experiencing in the early stages. It can also guide them on how serious the problem might be and when to seek help from others. In Nepal, mental health is often misunderstood. Some believe mental illness is a result of sins from a past life, or that it cannot be cured no matter the treatment. Because of stigma and fear of community judgment, many people cannot openly share their problems. That is why AI-based apps are providing mental health education to youths. They explain symptoms of anxiety and depression, when medication might be needed, and when to go for counseling.
However, how much one relies on such apps and when to seek help from professionally trained experts depends on the individual. Moreover, AI and similar apps also provide stress-relief tips. But the use of AI can sometimes be harmful too, as it may give incorrect information about mental health.
The information AI provides is based on data, texts, articles, research, and past practices created by humans. AI is not an expert or specialist. Such apps can be useful as tools for providing preliminary information, suggesting basic stress-management practices, and light support. But for specialized services, one must seek help from counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists. The use of AI has special potential to expand access to mental health among youths. In Nepal, due to stigma, financial hardship, and limited access to counseling services, many youths hide their problems inside themselves. Since AI is available 24/7, it becomes easy to use when they cannot share with anyone else. It can provide stress-relief through mindfulness, breathing exercises, and simple positive messages.
On the other hand, digital platforms also raise the issue of privacy. Many youths do not share their problems openly for fear of them becoming public. But when talking to AI, they feel safe. However, if someone experiences serious mental health issues, they must seek help from doctors or professionals.
Sudip Ghimire
