Pakistani celebs are finally opening up about depression

We're finally having an open discussion about depression in Pakistan but the conversation must lead somewhere

Updated 11 Jun, 2018

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

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
— MEESHA SHAFI (@itsmeeshashafi) June 8, 2018

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

Comments

SevenRiver Jun 11, 2018 11:21am

Better to do meditation regularly.

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Simi Jun 11, 2018 12:27pm

Mahira’s tweet though, she begins with, “what is depressing is that...” really Mahira? This is exactly why some celebs should not talk about things they don’t know about or tweet for effect! The word “depressing” is not something to be taken lightly & No! Being depressed is not the same as being disappointed or annoyed or upset!

ABD USA Jun 11, 2018 01:28pm

@Simi, I completely agree. The choice of word matters and mostly all of us would use the word 'depressed' to convey disappointment and sadness. Medically the disease is called 'clinical depression'. Depression is an equal opportunity disease, it doesn't distinguish between Rich and poor. Suicide by apparently successful celebrities in the news should really make us think hard about how do we support someone we love is diagnosed of clinical depression. Depression is not a character flaw and no, you cannot just snap out of it using your willpower. And many drug addicts and alcoholics may be suffering from mental illness and they use alcohol and drugs to self-medicate instead of seeing a doctor because of social stigma.

Jee Jun 11, 2018 01:34pm

Poor celebs with their depression about having too many material things and not knowing what to do about them. They just cannot connect with the masses on any level. Time to find real life heroes who tackle and overcome real depression on a daily basis to survive.

munir Jun 11, 2018 04:31pm

One third of Pakistani population is suffering from various forms of depression as per the latest statistics. Irony is that many of them are not aware of this fact that they are suffering from depression. Aggressive attitude ,intolerance, negative attitude are also the milder forms of depression which mostly people don't know and take it as normal behaviour. These when aggravated, leads to severe from depression.Awareness is the key to solution.

Osman Jun 12, 2018 06:24am

Depression is a luxury of a rich.

Aziz Jun 12, 2018 02:46pm

They earn in millions, get all the media attention and fame, and then they say that they are depressed as well....