The shocking loss of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain to suicide last week has forced people around the world to confront some hard realities about mental illness. Like the fact that seemingly happy and successful people may suffer in the grips of depression. Or that despite living in the information age, there is little actual awareness about the disease.
The conversation continues in Pakistan, where celebs and other prominent personalities are trying to call attention to the hidden nature of depression and in some cases, open up about their own experiences.
Also read: 7 celebrities who've spoken out about dealing with mental illness
Celebs like Meesha Shafi and Mahira Khan have stressed on the need for more outreach:
Whatttt???? First @katespadeny now @Bourdain
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) June 8, 2018
Near and dear suffering from depression need professional help/healing/therapy plus all our compassion, patience and understanding. This will only come if we educate ourselves and raise awareness. https://t.co/IANTaRDjJr
What is depressing is that there isn’t enough awareness about depression/mental health itself. https://t.co/79zd5ZKSZj
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) June 8, 2018
Frieha Altaf delivered some cold, hard facts:
Statistics show that 300 million people suffer from depression and more women than men. Fortunately it is curable and must not be treated lightly. Signs of depression are sadness enthusiasm lack of energy etc. If not treated can lead to self harm ans in some cases suicide.
— Frieha Altaf (@FriehaAltaf) June 9, 2018
Read on: Pakistanis just don't understand depression. This initiative seeks to teach us more
Shahbaz Taseer shared his personal experience of battling suicidal thoughts when he was in Taliban captivity (read the whole thread here):
I’ve spent a lot of time contemplating suicide. Depression is not something we can control. It’s darkness consumes you. I remember when I couldn’t bare the sight of myself, I could see traces of who I was but I hated what I saw. I hated what I felt and I hated the pain..
— Shahbaz Taseer (@ShahbazTaseer) June 9, 2018
Armeena Rana emphasised that even people who appear tough can suffer from depression:
I’ve found that the strongest are those who’ve suffered the most. Today, a homeless person advised me on how to keep upbeat and positive in times of adversity. I felt so embarrassed for all the times I’d complained about my situation. BUT happy that ppl like him exist. 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/fXWeQYciQa
— Armeena Khan (@ArmeenaRK) June 8, 2018
Reham Khan provided a reality check — the taboo surrounding and culture leading to depression is tough to break:
Mental health patients are still stigmatised by society & their suffering is ridiculed. Celebrities are constantly driven by others to work more towards material goals leading to more depression. We need more understanding https://t.co/RmpYWqMOsf
— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) June 8, 2018
