Kathmandu, Nepal – Dr. Keshav Shrestha, a respected doctor who went missing on Sunday after posting a heart-wrenching “Goodbye” message on Facebook, has been found safe in Balaju, Kathmandu, on Monday morning. The news brought great relief to his family, friends, and the wider community, many of whom had been worried since the sudden disappearance.
Dr. Shrestha’s Facebook post on Sunday evening, which simply read “Goodbye,” raised serious concerns among his friends and followers. Within minutes, hundreds of people began commenting, calling, and trying to reach him. When all calls went unanswered and he was nowhere to be found, his family filed a missing person report with the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police.
The phrase “Goodbye” in his post triggered fear that he might be in emotional distress or danger. With mental health awareness growing in Nepal, many users feared the worst. The news of his disappearance quickly went viral, and photos of Dr. Shrestha were widely shared on social media, urging people to report any sightings.
Search Operation Begins
After receiving the missing person report, a search operation was launched. Police teams, family members, and volunteers began searching different parts of Kathmandu, including areas where Dr. Shrestha was known to visit. His mobile phone had been switched off since the post, which made tracking difficult.
Police Inspector Suman Khadka from the Balaju Police Office said, “We began our search immediately after we received the report. Since his last known location was unclear, we had to rely on both technical and public support.”
On Monday morning, a group of locals in Balaju noticed someone matching his description walking near a quiet park. After confirming his identity, they informed the local police, who then brought Dr. Shrestha to the nearby police station.
Found Safe But Emotionally Distressed
Police confirmed that Dr. Shrestha was physically safe, but mentally stressed. He is now under medical supervision and surrounded by his family members. A close relative stated, “We are thankful he’s alive. He is tired and not in a good emotional state, but we will give him the care and support he needs.”
Family members revealed that Dr. Shrestha had been going through personal and professional challenges over the past few weeks. “He has always been a calm and caring person. But recently, he seemed sad and withdrawn,” said his cousin.
His sudden disappearance and Facebook message have opened conversations about mental health awareness and the importance of checking in on loved ones.
Public Reaction and Community Support
The news of his safe return brought widespread joy and relief across social media platforms. Hundreds of users commented on the post updates, saying “Welcome back, Doctor!” and “We are so glad you are safe.”
Several mental health advocates also used the moment to urge people to speak openly about their feelings and seek help when they feel overwhelmed.
“This case is a reminder that even strong professionals like doctors can go through emotional pain. We must talk more about mental health in Nepal,” said Dr. Anjali Rana, a clinical psychologist.
Importance of Mental Health
Dr. Keshav Shrestha’s incident has become a wake-up call for many. In Nepal, where mental health is still not openly discussed in many communities, this case shows the importance of being there for each other, listening, and offering support without judgment.
Experts are encouraging people to pay attention to warning signs such as sudden silence, goodbye messages, or emotional changes. They also advise reaching out to mental health professionals or hotlines when someone seems in distress.
Police and Public Praised
The quick action of the Nepal Police, help from locals, and widespread social media sharing helped locate Dr. Shrestha quickly. The cooperation between the public and authorities was praised by many leaders and organizations.
Police Inspector Khadka said, “This was a successful team effort. We thank everyone who helped and shared the message. It proves that when the community works together, we can save lives.”
A Hopeful Path Forward
Dr. Shrestha is now with his family, receiving emotional and psychological support. He has not made any public statement yet, but his family says he will take time to rest and recover.
His story is a strong reminder that mental health matters, and that it's okay to ask for help. The message is clear: No one is alone.
What We Can Learn
This incident teaches everyone a few key lessons:
-
Always take emotional messages seriously.
-
Keep close contact with friends and family.
-
Don’t hesitate to talk about feelings.
-
Mental health care is just as important as physical health.
-
Community support can truly save lives.
This story is not just about one person—it is a story of care, community, and courage. Let’s use it as a moment to check in with ourselves and those around us. If someone says “Goodbye,” let’s make sure we say, “Are you okay?” before it’s too late.
