We Making a Difference in Lives and Beyond

Need for End the
Silence / Hum Bolenge

In Pakistan, stigma surrounding mental health is present in all its forms. Research shows that contact is the most effective of all ways to address stigma (Corrigan, 2016).

From our work at The Recovery House and Bawaqar Zindagi, we know that we do not have peers who feel ready and are willing to share their stories with other people because of the existing stigma. The existence of stigma leads to people not speaking up, which results in even greater stigma, thereby creating a vicious cycle.

Addressing stigma with people with a psychiatric diagnosis, their families, and the larger community, therefore, becomes especially important.

Changing Lives, Changing Perspectives

Charity With Difference

Mission

We envision End the Silence / Hum Bolenge to help society be more aware and have open and positive conversations about mental health; eliminate stigma surrounding mental illnesses; and recognise, respond to, and encourage seeking professional help for mental health challenges.

Vision

The mission of End the Silence / Hum Bolenge is to address stigma with two of the most important players in our society: clients and their families. The project aims to raise awareness around mental illnesses and reduce the harms from stigma experienced by people with a serious mental illness through psychoeducation of clients and families and challenging their internalized negative beliefs about themselves and their challenges. It also aims to promote recovery and recovery-related outcomes in clients.

Team for anti stigma campaign

Dr. Alicia Lucksted

Project Leader and Director for the Anti-Stigma Campaign Pakistan

Dr. Patrick Corrigan

Project Advisor for the Anti-Stigma Campaign Pakistan.

Dr. Philip Yanos

Project Advisor for the Anti-Stigma Campaign Pakistan.

Dr. Uzma Ambareen

Project Advisor

Dr. Joseph DeLuca

Project Advisor for the Anti-Stigma Campaign Pakistan.

Anti-Stigma Campaign

What is the goal of the Anti-Stigma Campaign?

The goal of the Anti-Stigma Campaign is to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions, promote understanding and acceptance, and encourage open dialogue about mental health issues in the community.

Why is reducing stigma around mental health important?

Reducing stigma is important because it helps individuals feel more comfortable seeking help, promotes early intervention, and fosters a supportive environment where people with mental health conditions can thrive without fear of judgment or discrimination.

What strategies does the Anti-Stigma Campaign employ to achieve its goals?

The campaign employs strategies such as public awareness events, educational workshops, media campaigns, personal stories from individuals with lived experiences, and collaborations with community organizations to spread accurate information and challenge misconceptions about mental health.