Stigma and talking to family

In many South Asian families, and in many other cultures, mental health is rarely discussed. Parents may worry about what relatives will say, about marriage prospects, or see it as weakness, laziness or lack of faith. These worries often come from love and fear, and from growing up when nobody talked about it.

You do not have to convince everyone. Start with the one family member who is most likely to listen. Use words they understand: "I have not been sleeping, I cannot focus, and I want to see a doctor about it" may land better than clinical terms.

Explain what you need from them, even if it is only not to tell relatives. If family is not safe or supportive right now, you can still get confidential help from a counsellor or helpline.