[AUDIO] What We Carry After Disaster: Youth, Humanitarianism, and Mental Health in Nepal

In this episode of the More Than First Responders podcast, Ciara speaks with Purnika Shrestha, a young humanitarian volunteer and mental health advocate from Nepal. Purnika began her humanitarian journey at a very young age, shaped profoundly by the 2015 earthquake when she was only 10 years old. She reflects on witnessing the devastation caused by a lack of preparedness, and on how community mobilisation, mutual care, and youth leadership played a crucial role in the response. These early experiences continue to inform her work today, especially her commitment to strengthening mental health support in emergencies. In the conversation, she discusses why mental health is not an optional add-on but an essential part of humanitarian action, and why humanitarians themselves must be supported to look after their own wellbeing. It is an honest and thoughtful exchange about resilience, community, and the emotional realities of crisis work. ⚠️ Context note: This episode was recorded in December 2024 and reflects the perspectives shared during the recording date. Since then, in September 2025, young people in Nepal launched the “Nepo Babies and End Corruption” online campaign, which quickly grew into a nationwide youth-led movement challenging entrenched systems of power. Young people took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, ultimately contributing to a major political shift. The country is now awaiting its next election in a period of significant transition. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes mention of mental health conditions and suicide.