HOW YOUNG ADULTS IN PAKISTAN EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA AND DECIDE TO SEEK HELP: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Mental health stigma remains a pervasive barrier to help-seeking, particularly in collectivistic societies such as Pakistan, where cultural norms, family honor, and religious interpretations shape responses to psychological distress. Despite growing awareness, young adults continue to face persistent barriers in accessing professional mental health support. However, existing research has largely relied on quantitative approaches, offering limited insight into the lived experiences and decision-making processes underlying help-seeking.

This study aimed to examine how young adults in Pakistan experience mental health stigma and how these experiences influence their help-seeking pathways. A qualitative research design was employed using reflexive thematic analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 young adults (aged 18–29), recruited through purposive sampling from urban and rural backgrounds. Data were collected bilingually (Urdu and English) and analyzed following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework.

Four interconnected themes emerged: (1) internalized and anticipated stigma, (2) family honor and social surveillance, (3) religious and moral interpretations of mental health, and (4) delayed and negotiated help-seeking pathways. Findings demonstrate that stigma operates across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and socio-cultural levels, leading to concealment, self-reliance, and delayed engagement with professional services.

The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive, family-inclusive, and awareness-driven interventions to reduce stigma and improve mental health service utilization among young adults in Pakistan.