Read the passage and answer the following question:
Despite significant progress in mental health awareness, visiting a psychiatrist remains a taboo for many people in India. Deep rooted cultural beliefs, lack of education about mental illnesses, and the fear of social judgment often prevent individuals from seeking professional help when they need it most. Instead, many people choose to suffer in silence or rely solely on family advice, which may not always be sufficient.
However, mental health experts emphasize that consulting a qualified psychiatrist is not a sign of weakness but a step towards healing and self care. Just as one would visit a doctor for physical ailments, mental health conditions deserve equal attention and professional treatment. Unfortunately, the stigma attached to mental health persists, discouraging open conversations and timely intervention.
Breaking this taboo requires collective effort families, schools, workplaces, and communities must foster an environment where seeking mental health support is normalized and encouraged. Only then can India hope to reduce the burden of untreated mental illnesses and improve overall societal well-being.
What does the phrase “suffer in silence” mean in the context of the passage.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The passage states that people 'choose to suffer in silence or rely solely on family advice' because of 'the fear of social judgment' and 'stigma attached to mental health'. This context indicates that 'suffer in silence' means to hide one's pain and not seek professional help due to societal fear.