Reflections on 'Chinta': Report on Nepalese Community Consultation on Mental Health Literacy

It is generally agreed that there is a dearth of research in the area of mental health among the Nepalese community in Australia. This report provides findings from a scoping study that consulted with members of the Nepalese community (including international students) regarding their understanding of mental health, the need for further research in this area, and culturally appropriate ways of engaging in that research. Consultations were conducted through basic surveys and focus group discussions in Sydney and Melbourne, providing unique insights into these issues. The levels of understanding about mental health and mental illness was mixed, with some basic knowledge high but other areas based on misconceptions. Community willingness to support friends and family with mental health issues was generally very positive, and yet discussion of mental illness was still contextualised by stigma and taboo. Consultations pointed to a number of issues requiring further consideration such as the intersection between other social problems and mental health issues, community leaders’ attitudes, minimal or no access to information, help-seeking behaviours and the insufficient terminology in native language to comprehend the dimensions of mental health issues. For example, the Nepalese word ‘Chinta’, providing the title of the report, is a catch-all phrase that embraces multiple and diverse meaning associated with mental health and wellbeing. The report concludes with a set of key recommendations and a call for interest in joining a reference group to assist with future research.