I have been a psychiatrist for nearly ten years, but perhaps the most troubling question is: Why are so many people in Türkiye still reluctant to seek psychological help? I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city that is both modern and traditional. Here, people can easily go to the cardiologist when they have chest pain, but suffer silently when their souls are in pain. Many of my patients shared that they were afraid of being judged, afraid of gossiping by their neighbors, even afraid that their families would think they were “weak” or “abnormal”. I remember most a female patient in her 30s. She came to my Lotus clinic with red eyes, but as soon as she sat down, the first thing she said was: “Doctor, please don’t tell anyone I’m here. If my parents find out, they will be very disappointed.” That sentence left me speechless. We live in an age of global connectivity, but there are still invisible walls that prevent people from finding healing. We started with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At first, she was reluctant to share, but little by little, trust was built. I still remember the moment she smiled for the first time in the fourth session and said:
It reminded me that sometimes our job is not just to treat, but also to help patients realize that they are not alone. Mental health stigma is not only present in Türkiye, but here, it is still a painful problem. We need more workshops, more media campaigns, more public stories to help people understand that depression, anxiety, and mental health disorders are not “weaknesses,” but rather medical conditions that need to be treated like any other illness. I believe that every conversation about mental health, no matter how small, has the power to break down stigma. Every patient who comes to me, every person who dares to share their story, is contributing a brick to break down that invisible wall. If you are feeling stuck, tired, or simply want someone to listen – remember that seeking support is an act of courage. There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. And if society is not ready to change, then we will be the ones to start. Because one day, I hope, in Türkiye and everywhere, people will go to see a psychiatrist as they go to see a dentist – gently, naturally, and without fear.
