As Maria listened, the difficulties faced by those with mental health issues were brought into stark relief. Chief among these issues is stigma – born of ignorance, a lack of understanding and ingrained fear. It became clear that stigma continues to compromise the lives of people suffering mental ill health, preventing them from becoming engaged, active and productive members of their communities. In many ways stigma can be more debilitating than the disorder itself.

As their discussion widened and deepened, both women realised that the stigma of mental ill health is an international problem, defined neither by culture, language, geography nor religion.

Maria and Susie agreed that this must change and they both agreed that opening up a meaningful dialogue between researchers, clinicians and those living with mental illness and their families was a critical first step.

Moved by Susie’s story, Maria went on to read widely, research and discuss these insights and issues with the wider mental health community. In 2013, she created and became President of the Philippe and Maria Halphen Foundation, based in Paris under the auspices of the French Academy of Science.