The Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Mohammed Shafiq, spoke about the need to break down lingering stigma around mental health in the South Asian community.

Cllr Shafiq said conditions such as depression and anxiety are frequently misunderstood or dismissed as personal weakness.

Further challenges like language barriers and a lack of awareness about different mental health conditions people can then make it even harder to reach out, the councillor said.

Cllr Mohammed Shafiq, pictured (Image: UGC) In a message for World Mental Health Day on October 10, Cllr Shafiq said: “Too often, mental health is not seen as a real illness within South Asian families, and that needs to change.

“We must break down the stigma, educate our communities, and ensure that people understand mental health can and should be treated like any other illness. It’s essential that public health services and authorities do more to engage with and support our communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable and find it difficult to access help.”

Cllr Shafiq urged local and national authorities to recognise these challenges and invest in culturally sensitive mental health services that can bridge the gap.

From putting support in place at mosques or trusted community hubs to culturally sensitive care, he believes more needs to be done.

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Hajj Karamat, left, and Raja Rabnawaz, right, express their full support for Councillor Shafiq, centre, and his mental health campaigns (Image: UGC) Cllr Shafiq also suggested culturally tailored mental health education and outreach programs. These initiatives could teach families and individuals how to recognise early warning signs of mental health conditions, like changes in mood or behaviour.

Cllr Shafiq said: “Bringing mental health resources into the heart of our communities will break down barriers and build trust. By having GPs and mental health support available at community hubs, we can encourage more people to seek help early, knowing they are in a familiar and welcoming environment.

“It is vital that we empower South Asian families to identify the signs of mental health struggles early on. If we can increase awareness within these communities, we can ensure people get the help they need sooner, preventing conditions from becoming more severe.

People do not need to go through mental illness alone (Image: Pixabay) “Authorities must invest in education campaigns that not only reach these communities but resonate with them.

“As a community, we need to create safe spaces where people feel comfortable discussing their struggles without fear of judgement. We must make it clear that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health issues are treatable, and the support must be readily available and accessible to all.”