Celebrities often generate significant public interest and sensational headlines. The glitz and glamour of showbiz can make it easy to forget that celebrities are real people who have real feelings, genuine struggles, and actual mental health problems that affect their daily lives.
In today’s media society, celebrities are the channels through which the media communicates. Therefore while a ‘normal’ person suffering from a mental health condition may not be considered newsworthy, a celebrity certainly is because celebrities are influencers and role models. Celebrities speaking out about mental health can encourage the masses to break the stigma surrounding it and perceive mental health concerns differently and positively. Their speaking up can even provide hope and inspiration for others suffering from mental health issues so that they can succeed in battling it and even speak up about it to create awareness and hope.
Note that it is not just western celebrities who struggle with mental health concerns. Here are five popular Pakistani celebrities who are proof that these difficult conditions don’t discriminate, and raised awareness about mental health with their inspiring stories.
1. Navin Waqar
The Humsafar star had to go through extreme phases of depression and anxiety during her time on the set of the award-winning show. Later on, she opened up about having difficulty focusing due to her struggle with anxiety.
The actress found exercise beneficial for her mental health and emphasized the importance of physical workouts to heal the mind.
2. Mawra Hocane
Actress Mawra Hocane revealed in 2019 that she had been battling with anxiety her whole life. She and her sister Urwa came under public scrutiny after their comments about food causing depression on Nida Yasir’s Good Morning Pakistan.
Later on, the actress posted a lengthy note on her Instagram account, detailing her struggle with depression and anxiety. The Sabaat star also shared her journey and hoped to raise awareness.
3. Hira Mani
The Kashf star made a memorable appearance on Samina Peerzada’s popular talk show Speak Your Heart and spoke about her struggle with depression and her sessions with her therapist.
The actress revealed that the showbiz industry had made her too competitive and materialistic, which had led to her depression.
She also gave an honest perspective about her mental health, which won her many fans as her important message about her depression resonated with the audience.
4. Juggan Kazim
Veteran actress Juggan Kazim had to go through a very abusive marriage that gave her low self-esteem and depression.
In her video, the actress and talk show host highlighted the importance of therapy and seeking help instead of dealing with depression alone.
5. Yashma Gill
The Phaans actress claims that her upbringing had affected her mental health. She revealed in an interview that she came from a broken home, which became the root cause of her depression and anxiety.
The actress was diagnosed with clinical depression at the age of 19 but she has since worked hard on her mental health and eventually found solace in her family.
Everymind Acting Program Manager, Sara Bartlett, stated that celebrities “are human and they are experiencing a challenging period in their life, and it is important to consider that this experience isn’t entertainment for the masses”.
It is important to understand that the achievements of celebrities can provide hope and inspiration for others suffering from mental health issues, especially in a country like Pakistan where society still sees mental health conditions as a stigma and discussing mental health is considered taboo.
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