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.