In Pakistan, the conversation around mental health is still largely spoken in whispers. Although global awareness is rising, mental illness remains deeply stigmatized in our society. For many, admitting to anxiety, depression, or trauma is seen not as a health issue but as a personal weakness or moral failing. This stigma stems from multiple sources: cultural taboos, religious misconceptions, lack of education, and systemic neglect. In many households, expressions of psychological
distress are brushed aside with phrases like “just pray more,” or “it’s all in your head.” While spirituality can offer
support, these dismissals often delay or completely prevent individuals from seeking professional help (Mirza &
Jenkins, 2004).
Unfortunately, stigma doesn’t only silence individuals—it creates a generational ripple effect. A mother battling untreated depression may not receive help because of shame, and her child may grow up internalizing the belief that speaking about emotions is wrong or attention seeking. Research in Pakistan shows that maternal mental health significantly impacts children’s psychological well being (Maselko et al., 2016), but most mothers remain untreated due to societal pressure and lack of accessible services.
There is also a deep urban-rural divide in access and awareness. While cities like Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad have growing psychological services, rural areas remain underserved. The shortage of trained mental health professionals—only
about 500 psychiatrists for a population of 241 million—exacerbates the issue (WHO,2022).
To dismantle this stigma, we need grassroots awareness, integration of mental health into primary healthcare, and culturally sensitive public education. This includes community workshops, religious leader training, and social media campaigns led by youth, educators, and therapists. Normalizing therapy, emotional literacy, and psychological resilience in schools and
workplaces is not just a health issue—it’s a societal one.

By Hamna Ali