07/12/2025
My Input on an extremly pertinent topic…Mental health stigma in Pakistan, especially for women, creates major barriers to care. As Dr. Rafia Rafique highlights, derogatory labels like “pagal aurat” fuel shame and silence, discouraging women from seeking help for anxiety and depression.
Many still turn to traditional healers due to cultural myths linking mental illness to supernatural causes, delaying effective treatment.
We must challenge these harmful stereotypes and promote mental health awareness to create safe, supportive spaces where women can seek help without fear or judgment.