Lack of awareness about mental illness in Pakistan is symptomatic of the overall regressive social climate of Pakistani society. Contrary to the common misconception, mental illness can affect people of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illness is not an intellectual disability, or not even a ‘disability’. According to a last year’s study carried out at Karachi’s Aga Khan University (AKU), around 50 million people are suffering from common mental disorders in Pakistan. The illness afflicts 15 to 35 million adults, which is about 10 to 20 percent of the population. “Approximately 20 million children or 10pc of the population in our country need attention from mental health practitioners,” said Dr Ayesha Mian, chairperson of the department of psychiatry at the AKU. Twitter users, throughout the day, have been vocal about it by sharing their own thoughts and experiences with mental health and psychiatric illness in an effort to raise awareness. Twitter is playing a significant role in exploding the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Today on #WorldMentalHealthDay watch Lady Gaga speak about depression and being yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical one pic.twitter.com/r7ox8FSz0V — Lady Gaga Facts (@LGMonsterFacts) October 10, 2017 You are not crazy. You are not dramatic. You are not stupid or worthless and you are not alone. #WorldMentalHealthDay — Mistress (@drea_yayaya) October 10, 2017 you are stronger than you think. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/ajPK0zPD8H — kara (@karaasebesta) October 10, 2017 For anyone dealing with mental illness. You are not alone, you can over come this. You are not your mental illness. #WorldMentalHealthDay — Ali Rainbow (@alirainbow94) October 10, 2017 Silence is not the way to deal with mental health #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/YId4y5sgsC — CitizenJusticeN (@CitizenJusticeN) October 10, 2017 #WorldMentalHealthDayAnyone can have a bad day. For some, that can become a bad week, month or year. Only communication can remove stigmas. pic.twitter.com/6EloLpwIIp — Stonehouse Search (@StonehouseSaS) October 10, 2017 Going to finish this here, to all the people just like me…. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/4vRyRifz5D — Terri Smith (@3terrismith) October 10, 2017 It can be caused by anything or nothing.By someone or no one.It’s ok to speak up when your mind is a battlefield. #WorldMentalHealthDay — Nigarish Khan (@WarriorNigs) October 10, 2017 As a responsible leader, create a safe space for ur employees to comfortably talk about their mental health struggles #WorldMentalHealthDay — Five Riverz Wellness (@fiveriverzwc) October 10, 2017 As a person who suffers from depression&anxiety,Let me tell you.. you are stronger than most because of your struggle#WorldMentalHealthDay — Blunts&Thinks???? (@bluntznthinkz) October 10, 2017 Mental illnesses are NOT adjectives. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/L3P9VeAmfm — Rachel Griffin (@rachelgriffin22) October 10, 2017 When my favorite actor Robin Williams committed suicide, I realized how dangerous depression is. Rem You’re not alone!#WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/KKQyOC8sWt — Zain Khan (@ZKhanOfficial) October 10, 2017 Never be ashamed of your mental health and your needs. Keep your head held high. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/DZ2hKep3E8 — Alternative Press (@AltPress) October 10, 2017 It’s #WorldMentalHealthDay! We need to talk about mental health. We need to erase the stigma. We need to take care of ourselves. — Against Suicide (@AgainstSuicide) October 10, 2017 Organs can get sick. Brains are an organ. Mental illnesses are completely valid and real. #WorldMentalHealthDay — Buddy Project (@ProjectBuddy) October 10, 2017 I am allowed to take up space. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/0MiHndHoIX — Fem 4 All ????????? (@projectFem4All) October 10, 2017